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Sparta

Sparta (2022)

Oct 05, 2022 1h 39m Drama

Ewald moved to Romania years ago. Now in his 40s, he seeks a fresh start. Leaving his girlfriend, he moves to the hinterland. With young boys from the area, he transforms a decaying school into a fortress. The children enjoy a new, carefree existence. But the distrust of the villagers is soon awoken. And Ewald is forced to confront a truth he has long suppressed. Sparta is the brother film to Rimini (2022), and the conclusion of Ulrich Seidl's diptych about the inescapability of the past and the pain of finding yourself.

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Directed by Ulrich Seidl

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ulrich Seidl
Writer
  • Ulrich Seidl
  • Veronika Franz
Producer
  • Ulrich Seidl
  • Philippe Bober
  • Michel Merkt

Reviews

pimpskitters
7/10

Its an almost impossible movie to recommend. Not because its anything short of an incredible achievement in performance and themes. But because you tell the wrong person to watch this and they will not get it. This movie reminds me of the phrase, stupid people shouldn't read smart books. Watch the movie, if you are incensed and indignant at seeing this movie as an attempt at humanizing and justifying sexual exploitation of children, then you shouldn't have read this movie. Also, stop violently beating your children you sadistic, sick fuck.

Jan 4, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Sparta examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Ulrich Seidl brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Sparta took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
  • The film contains approximately 931 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Sparta shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Hard Times, which focuses more on action than character development, Sparta subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Thin Red Line and A Good Boy explore similar territory, Sparta stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 5, 2022
  • Runtime: 1h 39m

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