Is You Speak of Prague: The Second Trial of Artur London Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1971)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of You Speak of Prague: The Second Trial of Artur London (1971), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. 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. "Artur London was arrested in 1951 in a Stalinist purge, imprisoned and tortured for two years and forced to confess in the Slansky Trial, one of the last Stalinist "show trials" in Eastern Europe. The documentary explores some of the reasons for the controversy aroused by Costa-Gavras' The Confession, which had been accused of being anti-communist, and it highlights the political importance of filmmaking which, by its nature, is a fiction intended for the general public."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Yves Montand does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. 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 You Speak of Prague: The Second Trial of Artur London worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, You Speak of Prague: The Second Trial of Artur London is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 31 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.