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Search 713 spoiler-free recommendations from 1916 to 2026. Filter by the night you want—not the list you’re supposed to finish.

Direct film viewShowing master rank #147 on its own—not above the ranking.
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Artwork
DirectorAll directors

Most represented · 6+ films

More recurring directors · 3–5 films54
All directors · surname A–Z438
ActorAll actors

Most represented actors

Big Three membership
Major award winners

1 selected film

Master Rank balances Greatness, Engagement, and Ease. Sort by Greatness for the artistic-canon view.

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Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

After a political rally ends in violence, an investigator examines the state machinery surrounding the attack.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

After a left-wing deputy is struck down following a political rally, an examining magistrate begins questioning witnesses and officials. His procedural inquiry reveals coordination among police, military figures, and right-wing extremists despite the government's insistence on an accident.

Why it belongs

Costa-Gavras gives political outrage thriller velocity, making testimony, streets, vehicles, bureaucracy, and denial parts of one state apparatus.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Jean-Louis Trintignant's controlled magistrate lets accumulating evidence generate the anger. Rapid editing, mobile cameras, Mikis Theodorakis's music, documentary texture, and clipped official language drive the assassination inquiry with propulsive force.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Academy Awards2 wins1970 · official ceremony record ↗

Plus 2 additional wins

No headline-category win to name

Golden Globes1 win1970 · official film record ↗

Plus 1 additional win

No headline-category win to name

BAFTA1 win1970 · official BAFTA 1970 Film Awards results ↗

Plus 1 additional win

No headline-category win to name

Cannes2 wins1969 · official festival record ↗
Award for Best Actor1969 · Jean Louis TRINTIGNANTofficial festival record ↗

Plus 1 additional win

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for
Date NightFamilyFilm Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250—AFI 100—
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness9.1
Engagement9.3
Ease8.5

French · PG
Narrative Feature
Mood: Serious & Intense