Life Is Ours

Synopsis

Life Is Ours (La vie est à nous) is a 1936 French film directed by Jean Renoir, starring Jean Dasté. The movie follows a group of leftist activists who work to promote the Popular Front in France during the 1936 elections. Through a mix of documentary-style footage and scripted scenes, Life Is Ours captures the social and political upheaval of the time, portraying the struggles and aspirations of working-class people in the face of oppression. The film's innovative approach to storytelling and its powerful depiction of solidarity and resistance make it a landmark of political cinema, offering a unique glimpse into a crucial moment in French history.

Cast

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  Jean Dasté

  L'instituteur / Teacher

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  Nadia Sibirskaïa

  Ninette - l'amie de René

• 

  Gaston Modot

  Philippe - le neveu des Lecocq

• 

  Madeleine Sologne

  Une ouvrière de l'usine

• 

  Vladimir Sokoloff

  Un vieillard dans le cortège final

• 

  Gabrielle Fontan

  Madame Lecocq

Reviews

Life Is Ours has received mixed reviews from critics over the years. While some praise the film for its bold political message and innovative filmmaking techniques, others criticize its heavy-handed propaganda and lack of subtlety. The film's blending of documentary and fiction elements has been both lauded as groundbreaking and questioned for its effectiveness. Despite its flaws, Life Is Ours remains an important piece of cinema history, offering a poignant reflection on the turbulent political climate of 1930s France. Rotten Tomatoes rates the film 6.5/10, highlighting its historical significance and artistic merits. IMDb gives it a 5.9/10, acknowledging its contributions to political cinema but noting its divisive reception. Metacritic provides a rating of 60/100, indicating a generally mixed response from critics.