Based on a true incident, the Deputy Z is struck down by a speeding truck while hundreds watch. Despite the report of accidental death, a journalist's questioning of the facts leads to an investigation.

"Z" is a classic Cold-War political thriller, based on a true story. It concerns the assassination of Zei, a popular pacifist and anti-nuclear leader. The aftermath of the incident reveals a deeper government conspiracy with the subsequent fallout.

Filmed on location in Algeria.

Was originally rated M by the MPAA, but was re-rated PG when the M rating was discontinued.

Won the Jury Prize and Jean-Louis Trintignant won the Best Actor award at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival.

Academy Award Nominations: 5, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best (Adapted) Screenplay.

Academy Awards: Best Film Editing, Best Foreign Language Film.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Special Edition
Widescreen - 1.66
Audio:
French
Subtitles - English

Distributor Notes: A pulse-pounding political thriller, Greek expatriate director Costa-Gavras' Z was one of the cinematic sensations of the late sixties, and remains among the most vital dispatches from that hallowed era of filmmaking. This Academy Award winner--loosely based on the 1963 assassination of Greek left-wing activist Gregoris Lambrakis--stars Yves Montand as a prominent politician and doctor whose public murder amid a violent demonstration is covered up by military and goverment officials; Jean-Louis Trintignant is the tenacious magistrate who's determined not to let them get away with it. Featuring kinetic, rhythmic editing, Raoul Coutard's expressive verite photography, and Mikis Theodorakis' unforgettable, propulsive score, Z is a technically audacious and emotionally gripping masterpiece.

Yves Montand: French actor/singer
Irene Papas: Greek Actress
Jean-Louis Trintignant: French Actor/Director

Costa Gavras: Greek Director, Z (1969)

"...The movie exhilarates with its blistering pace and extraordinarily corrupt villains..."
"Z is a pulse-pounding procedural that pieces together the murder of a left-wing youth leader....This is an amazing film..." -- Grade: A-
"It was the perfect film for the end of a turbulent decade, and eternally relevant to the brutal regimes that have popped up since." -- Grade: A-