Is 1958: Those Who Said No Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of 1958: Those Who Said No (2018), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary, TV Movie, History. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "On October 4, 2018, France celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Fifth Republic. It is a republic born in the throes of the Algerian War and one which—from the day it was founded by General de Gaulle until the presidency of a very Jupiterian Emmanuel Macron—has been assailed as a “Republican monarchy” by partisans of a more assertive parliamentarian state. By revisiting the struggle of those who dared oppose the new regime — only to suffer a crushing defeat on September 28, 1958, when they were barely able to garner 20% of the vote against the constitutional text — this film shines a powerful new light on the origins of the Fifth Republic and its consequences for the next 60 years. It is a constitutional debate that planted the seeds for a complete upheaval of the French political landscape, on the left in particular, and set the country in motion toward what would be called the Union of the Left."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Philippe Saada shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is 1958: Those Who Said No worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, TV Movie, History films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2018, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, 1958: Those Who Said No is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 55 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.