The War of the Worlds: Next Century
The War of the Worlds: Next Century (1981) is a science fiction film, directed by Piotr Szulkin. It stars Roman Wilhelmi and Krystyna Janda. The 94-minute film holds an audience score of 6.7/10.
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What The War of the Worlds: Next Century Is About
Written and directed by Piotr Szulkin, this Polish science fiction film is not an adaptation of H. G. Wells's novel but an original work inspired by it, dedicated to both Wells and Orson Welles. It takes place in the last days of the year 2000, during the Martians' second week on Earth, in an unnamed authoritarian state. Iron Idem, a charismatic television presenter, is forced to broadcast propaganda praising cooperation with the Martians. The resource the Martians extract from Earth is blood, citizens are compelled to donate, and giving blood becomes the price of admission to entertainment. Idem's apartment is ransacked, his wife abducted and returned dead. Once the Martians leave, the narrative is inverted, the episode is rewritten as an invasion, and Idem is declared a collaborator. He rebels on live television, and his rebellion is taken for just another entertainment program. The film's fate echoed its subject: completed in late 1981 and screened at a festival that September, its distribution was then blocked under martial law censorship and it did not reach cinemas until February 1983. While shelved at home it collected prizes in Porto, Avoriaz, Madrid and Trieste. Szulkin framed it not as an anti socialist allegory but as a diagnosis of television as a medium of lies. Who it's for: Fans of Eastern European dystopia and media critique. Who it's not for: Not for viewers expecting visual effects, since the film is low budget, bleak and confined almost entirely to studio corridors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The War of the Worlds: Next Century about?
Written and directed by Piotr Szulkin, this Polish science fiction film is not an adaptation of H. G.
Where can I watch The War of the Worlds: Next Century?
The War of the Worlds: Next Century is available to watch on digital platforms such as MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.
How long is The War of the Worlds: Next Century?
The War of the Worlds: Next Century runs for 94 minutes (1h 34m).
When did The War of the Worlds: Next Century come out?
The War of the Worlds: Next Century was released in 1981.
Who directed The War of the Worlds: Next Century?
The War of the Worlds: Next Century was directed by Piotr Szulkin.
Who stars in The War of the Worlds: Next Century?
The War of the Worlds: Next Century stars Roman Wilhelmi, Krystyna Janda, Jerzy Stuhr, Stanisław Tym.
What is The War of the Worlds: Next Century's rating?
The War of the Worlds: Next Century holds 6.9/10 on IMDb and 6.7/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 71 out of 100.
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