Punishment Park

Synopsis

Punishment Park, a thought-provoking documentary-style film released in 1971, depicts a dystopian vision of America where political dissenters are subjected to a brutal alternative form of justice. Set against the backdrop of social unrest and the Vietnam War, the movie follows a group of young activists and countercultural figures as they face the decision to either serve jail time or endure a grueling 3-day survival ordeal in the desert. Packed with intense sequences and powerful performances, Punishment Park explores themes of civil liberties, authoritarianism, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and oppression.

Cast

• Patrick Boland

  Tribunal Defendant

• 

  Carmen Argenziano

  Jay Kaufman (Tribunal Defendant)

• 

  Kent Foreman

  Lee Robert Brown (Tribunal Defendant)

• Luke Johnson

  William Luke Valerio (Tribunal Defendant)

• Katherine Quittner

  Nancy Jane Smith (Tribunal Defendant)

• Scott Turner

  James Arthur Kohler (Tribunal Defendant)

Reviews

Punishment Park has been hailed as a cinematic gem that confronts the audience with its uncompromising portrayal of state-sanctioned repression. Critics have praised the film for its raw intensity, with Roger Ebert describing it as a 'chilling indictment of governmental abuse of power.' Rotten Tomatoes gives it an impressive 92% rating, while IMDb rates it at 7.7/10, indicating strong positive reception among viewers. The movie's visceral impact and stark realism have left a lasting impression on audiences, sparking discussions on political activism and the erosion of civil liberties. Despite its controversial subject matter, Punishment Park remains a poignant and relevant work of art.

See also

Street Kings

Mustang

Decision to Leave

A Dog's Will