Chuck Norris vs Communism

Ilinca Calugareanu: Chuck Norris vs Communism

Ilinca Calugareanu:
Chuck Norris vs Communism (Romania/UK, 2014)
83 min. • English
Age limit 7 years
Theme: Reality is not real

Chuck Norris vs Communism is a prime example of popular culture working as a weapon against the political machinery. Cold censorship ruled the roost in Romania back in the 1980s. The only permitted form of “entertainment” was communist propaganda. However, the Iron Curtain was leaking in cinematic gems from the western world. These movies offered viewers access to a whole new world. A black market video dealer and a young female translator joined up and accidentally sparked a revolution that had the soft voice of a lady.

The documentary interviews people who grew up in the communist eastern block. The stories heard reveal the soaring heroes of American action films instilling belief into the oppressed citizens living under the rule of dictatorships. Director Ilinca Calugareanu debut is visually charming and sympathetically entertaining. At the same time, it is a vital reminder about freedom. It shows us how in the world view of some people, extremely radical forms of power are completely acceptable and free to use when wanting to control the masses.

» www.chucknorrisvscommunism.co.uk


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