Overview
A gripping tale of power and betrayal during one of history's darkest times.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- harrowing
- oppressive
- cathartic
- serious film night
- historical cinema viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, politically charged historical drama praised for its performances and stark examination of revolutionary power.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Terror, show trials, and judicial executions evoke political repression associated with twentieth-century Eastern Europe while remaining rooted in the French Revolution.
Danton and his followers are rounded up and prosecuted before a revolutionary tribunal controlled by the ruling faction.
Danton relies on popular support and political force while Robespierre governs through calculation, committees, and revolutionary doctrine.
The film foregrounds the Terror, executions, courthouse proceedings, and the threat of the guillotine as instruments of state control.
Films like Danton, and why
The Battle of Algiers
political historical drama depicting revolutionary violence, ideological conflict, and the corruption of revolutionary ideals
The Last King of Scotland
intense historical drama about political power, repression, and a charismatic leader facing institutional hostility
The Lives of Others
period political drama centered on show trials, ideological control, and state violence
The Death of Stalin
biographical historical drama portraying a public figure confronting authoritarian political forces
Movie Details
- Director
- Andrzej Wajda
- Release Date
- 1983-01-12
- Runtime
- 136 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (180)
Cast
- Gérard Depardieu
- Wojciech Pszoniak
- Patrice Chéreau
- Angela Winkler
- Roland Blanche
- Alain Macé
- Jacques Villeret
- Anne Alvaro
- Bogusław Linda
- Emmanuelle Debever
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Criterion Channel
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Danton about?
- A charismatic revolutionary confronts the ruthless machinery of the Terror when his former ally turns political justice into a weapon.
- What is Danton like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Danton as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Danton violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Danton as graphic.
- What did critics think of Danton?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, politically charged historical drama praised for its performances and stark examination of revolutionary power.
- Which films are like Danton?
- Films with a similar feel include The Battle of Algiers, The Last King of Scotland, The Lives of Others, and The Death of Stalin.
- How long is Danton?
- Danton runs 136 minutes.
- Where can I watch Danton?
- In United States, Danton streams on Criterion Channel.
