#Chuck Norris vs Communism

[1day1movie]

Chuck Norris vs Communism (2015) Ilinca Calugareanu.

[thefloatingstone]

Doesn't the person who asked you about piracy know that you worked on an hbo show, the company who in its effort to remove animated shows wiped Infinity Train OFF THE FACE OF THE PLANET, at the point where Owen Dennis, the author himself, said in his Twitter bio that you could only access it through piracy (and was later made to remove the sentence) ?

(also very excited for his among us show if it's still in the works, it's gonna be The Thing for kids)

Perhaps they were simply not aware, or they meant in a larger instance.

I did want to add, however, that my views on piracy only apply to large products made by corporate backing. Things like indie writers who release their chapters through Patreon and such are different to, say, the Barbie movie which made a million jillion dollars (and which I really love btw. I would like to buy it on blu ray at some stage but until then I'll keep a copy I ✨found✨ somewhere)

OH! Also you know what is an absolutely brilliant argument for piracy when it comes to film? Check out the documentary "Chuck Norris vs Communism". It's a fascinating documentary about the VHS smuggling industry of Romania while it was under a communist dictatorship. And how being exposed to broader media helped the citizens not only weather the supreme pressures of the communist dictatorship, but also showed them how wrong their propaganda was about other countries.

HIGHLY recommend if only for it's information regarding films history

As well as that post that was going around showing how a lot of Shakespeare's plays only exist to us in the modern day because people would sit in the theater and write down the play's dialogue and then sell that to people who couldn't go to the actual theater. Essentially, piracy of the plays. And how many plays we only know if through these pirated manuscripts.

I didn't even go into the topic of piracy as preservation because that's an entire topic all on its own as well. How many lost movies and TV shows have been recovered thanks to piracy?

WAIT I DIDN'T EVEN MENTION HOW PIRACY SAVED EARLY DOCTOR WHO

asdjaskjdas

the topic is..... so much......

Of course you are talking to a dirty hippy cinephile who is all about the ART of it all. and someone who is a lover of history, and as a result of both these things, a big believer in preservation and archiving.

[steampunkforever]

You've seen The Lobster and Killing of a Sacred Deer, but Yorgos Lanthimos' film Dogtooth is probably one of his most "was that messed up or what? Anyway." films that I've seen so far.

The movie itself says a lot about information control and its role authoritarianism, delving into the subject of the mutilation of spoken language as a method of control and the authoritarian attempts to shape reality through the language of fear and power.

The plot of the movie also reminds me of a spectacular little documentary from 2016 called "Chuck Norris Vs Communism." I can see clear parallels from the Eldest daughter's discovery of a world outside the fear and patriarchy through Schlocky 80s films on VHS to how the Romanian people's black market trade in censor-free pirated VHS tapes from the west gave them a glimpse of a world less repressive than the communism they lived under (see also: Soviet Russia's blue jeans craze).

Dogtooth is a hard film to watch, and there are so many quietly delivered atrocities juxtaposed against a placid greek landscape that just continue to raise the level of messed up for the film beyond what I expected.

That placid greek landscape is extremely important to this film. Its utopian appearance is the whole point. The house they're kept in could warrant a feature in architectural digest with a few minor tweaks to the interior design. Throwing a washed out apocalypse filter over brutalist apartment buildings is easy, but that's not what Dogtooth is saying about oppressive utopias, and I respect that.

[festivalists]

Innocence Un/Protected

Innocence Un/Protected – quite a motto for the 13th Talents Sarajevo! Yet during the seven years of our partnership with the Talent Press initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we can assure you that passion, vigor, and inspiration have stayed intact ♥

In line with the commemorative 25th edition of Sarajevo Film Festival, this year's schedule was packed with masterclasses and noteworthy events featuring high-profile guests. We, too, had two special appearances – the prominent Romanian translator / critic / programmer / CHUCK NORRIS VS COMMUNISM's star Irina Nistor for THE VOICE, THE FILM CRITIC, THE LEGEND and fellow Festivalists contributor / Jugend ohne Film founder / writer / filmmaker / curator Patrick Holzapfel for NOBODY JUST WRITES (ABOUT CINEMA).

And indeed, as you may recall from last year, nobody at Sarajevo Talent Press just writes about cinema. This time Dana Linssen offered an experimental talk or mind walk titled INNOCENCE RE/PROTECTED, in which she touched upon the poetics and politics of images 2.0, also based on her experience as IFFR Critics' Choice co-conspirator. As for our editor Yoana Pavlova – inspired by Dušan Makavejev's 1968 classic, she proposed the (RE)COLLECTION BY OTHER MEANS challenge, the results of which you can see below.

But the SFF film reviews are here as well! Written by five talented youngsters from Southeast Europe and the Southern Caucasus, these texts offer a rich and nuanced insight into the cinema from the region, as well as (hopefully) a glimpse into our critical discussions in Sarajevo that we already miss dearly...

Alexander Gabelia, Georgia

Exchange of opinions and experience as well as critical analysis of different themes – that’s what I’m interested in.

SPIT (2019) dir. Neven Samardžić & Carolina Markowicz – SEE FACTORY → ROUNDS / V KRUG (2019) dir. Stephan Komandarev – Competition Features →

Călin Boto, Romania

As a freelance film critic, I follow the festival circuit closely and do try to understand as much as possible of the apparatus that’s behind it, especially in terms of curating.

THE RIGHT ONE (2019) dir. Urška Djukić & Gabriel Tzafka – SEE FACTORY → DAD (2019) dir. Vladimir Bilenjki – BH Film →

Jovana Gjorgjiovska, North Macedonia

The past year I have been completely devoted to developing Gledaj.mkc.mk and some of the milestones include securing institutional support, publishing our work in major print publications in North Macedonia and getting elected as a jury member for the Best Film Critic contest at the European Film Festival Cinedays 2018.

IN YOUR HANDS (2019) dir. Maša Šarović & Sharon Angelhart – SEE FACTORY → ROUNDS / V KRUG (2019) dir. Stephan Komandarev – Competition Features →

Milica Joksimović, Serbia

I have realized that film criticism has an essential role in the evolution of film as art and I like to think that in my articles I have raised some valid points and also inspired some of the people reading them to give them some thought.

THE SIGN (2019) dir. Eleonora Veninova & Yona Rozenkier – SEE FACTORY → TAKE ME SOMEWHERE NICE (2019) dir. Ena Sendijarević – Competition Features →

Sezen Sayinalp, Turkey

My pieces are generally about characters’ conditions in the society and society’s changes. This is also about past and future relationships, because I try to show that meaning of representation within social structures.

THE PACKAGE (2019) dir. Dušan Kasalica & Teodora Ana Mihai – SEE FACTORY → THE SON / SIN (2019) dir. Ines Tanović – Competition Features →

[lefilmdujour]

Chuck Norris vs Communism /  Ilinca Călugăreanu / Romania, Germany & UK / 2015

[fuckyeahwomenfilmdirectors]

Ilinica Calugareanu on her documentary Chuck Norris vs Communism:

I was 6 years old in 1986 and my parents found a way to borrow a VCR. They invited all their friends over and all night they watched grainy VHS tapes of American films. I remember all the movies I watched and especially how I felt when I stepped into the living room. It was like walking into a different dimension – a secret, magical and free world. There were millions of other Romanians who secretly watched films like we did. We all grew up with the feeling that Chuck Norris was more real than the reality presented to us in the propaganda news. Those tapes and their heroes changed a whole generation. So for us, this film is about the magic of film and the power it has to change our lives. One of the biggest threads for me is about the shared experience of watching films in a dangerous and underground space. Movies meant so much more to the people in this film; it was a completely different viewing experience than the one we can relate to today. It is about the way films leave a mark on your life to the point of being able to taste that experience, even after decades have passed.

[capturxs]

Chuck Norris Vs. Communism (2015)

[mattelodchikova]

jbkrjbgkejbr my neighbour came by our house earlier tn n was like “hey i heard u guys werent going away for christmas this year so i thot id drop off some movies as a holiday gift!!!” n i was like “omg aw thanks thats so nice :’’)!!!!!!” bc hes an old man n hes sweet (even tho hes That Guy who yells at cars when they drive down the street 2 fast or disregard that one stop sign at the bottom of the hill when hes out walkin his dog and one time he yelled at me bc i cant drive cause im gay n tbh it was kinda scary but it was dark so i dont think he noticed it was me????) so i go inside n go abt my nite or w/e n i just got curious so i just opened the bag an its a large stack like 15/20(??) cm high of pirated movies copied onto disks labeled w sharpie n im lookin thru them rn and they range from like dunkirk adn spiderman n some othr popular recent movies like nothin 2 out of the ordinary !!! to the one i literally just came across abt halfway thru the pile called “chuck norris vs communism” kjgbrekjbgkjrebgkjgk im gonna dIE thanks peter !!!!!!!

[drstrangelove666]

The Essentalist of...Documentaries on Netflix

The Essentalist of...Documentaries on Netflix #essentialist

With online streaming services now offering huge catalogues of online content, deciding what to watch can be a bit of a lottery. So I’ll do it for you – here’s my selection of some of the great TV and film you may have missed.

For this #essentialist I am going to make a few suggestions of great documentaries that are currently available to watch on Netflix.

Chuck Norris vs. Communism (2015)

[lovemesomesurveys]

Do you always carry breath mints? Nope. What is the point of scented pens/pencils/erasers? No point, really. People just like them. *shrug* They were kinda fun to have when I was a kid. Do you buy/wear band-aids with cartoon characters on them? We usually just get the plain, simple ones but I don’t mind wearing ones with cute characters or designs. Are you amused by celebrity fashion flubs? I just see some of (a lot of, honestly) the stuff celebrities wear and I’m just like....why? I see the things that are considered fashionable and I really just don’t get it. And they’re not cheap stuff either. What do you think your reaction would be upon entering the White House? I think it’d be interesting to go on a tour of the White House.

Do you buy and wear crazy looking socks? I used to get fun colors and cute designs and such when I was younger, but now I just stick to simple, plain ones. Would you run down the street wearing a tutu, fishnets, & flippers? Nah. Have you ever grown your own sea monkeys or dinosaurs? Oh, those little things that grew when put in water? If so, then yes. Those were really cool as a kid. Would you want to travel into deep space? Nooooo. Just the idea of that is terrifying. Have you ever thrown a game controller (or the game) and broke it? No.

Did you ever own an Etch-a-Sketch? Yeah. Do/did you ever have glow-in-the-dark stars on your ceiling? Yep yep. That was like the staple of a 90′s kid room. Does your house have an attic that had stuff in it when you moved in? My house doesn’t have an attic. What movie were you really worked up for that ended up disappointing you? I wasn’t worked up or dying to see Gretel and Hansel, but I saw it recently and yeah it wasn’t good.  Does/did your school have special dress-up days? Yeah, my elementary, middle school, and high school had those.  What cartoons did you watch when you were little? 90′s shows on Nickelodeon, Disney, PBS, Kids WB, and Saturday morning cartoons.  Do you eat peanut shells along with the peanuts? No. Have you ever gone white-water rafting? Not for real, no. I’ve only been on the amusement ride version. I definitely couldn’t do the real thing. What part of a paper is hardest for you to write? Honestly, the hardest part for me was always just getting started. Once I got started; though, I was fine. Does your grandma wear an apron when she cooks? No. This is your chance to get it out! Place random rant here: Nah. How often do you need “me” time? I’m someone who needs time to myself to just do my own thing and rest.  Does it bother you that almost everything is done on computers now? No. I’m all about the convenience of doing things like shopping, paying bills, filling out forms, looking things up, having easy, quick access to various things, etc. Also great when you’re not a social person like me, but can be “social” on various social medias. I can see what people are up to and be in the loop about things without even communicating lmao. That sounds awful, but hey. You can reach more people that way as well.  Have you ever gotten stuck in a revolving door? No. Who is your favorite superhero? Iron Man, Star Lord, Spiderman, and Ant-Man.  KFC Chicken: original or extra crispy? I don’t like KFC. What class in school do/did you secretly love? I didn’t have any that I secretly enjoyed.  What animal do you most resemble while eating? Growing up my family always jokingly said I ate like a bird cause I picked at everything. And a sloth cause I was (still am) a slow eater.  Pop-Tarts vs. Toaster Strudels. Discuss: I like both. Not much to discuss lol I just think they’re good. Do you believe there are subliminal messages in songs? I think there can be. Ha, remember the big conspiracy back in the day about playing songs backwards to hear secret messages. Think about your first kiss. Did you have any idea what you were doing? Nope. It was awkward, but quick.  Would you play Jumanji, if given the chance? I’ve never seen the movies, but from what I know; absolutely not!

Name a song lyric you heard wrong the first time and what it really said: I can’t think of a specific one right now and don’t feel like giving it much thought. Do you text/call while going to the bathroom? (Go multitasking!) No. Do you always make sure your cell phone is charged before going somewhere? It usually is. I do charge my phone every night before bed; though, and it’s usually fine throughout the day until the next charge. It just depends how much I use my phone, I guess. And how long I’ll be gone and whether I have access to a charger. My parents and brother have phone chargers in their cars, so. Did you get Happy Meals just for the toys as a kid? I wanted the food, too. haha. Plus, McDonald’s happy meals used to have these cookies that were shaped like the different McDonald’s characters that were actually really good. Have you ever seen your parents cry? If so, how did it make you feel? Yes. I’ve seen my mom cry on several occasions and my dad cry less than a handful of times, but regardless of how many times, it really hurts me to see them cry.  What are your thoughts on Chuck Norris? I remember when Chuck Norris jokes were a big thing in like middle school for some reason. I never really knew who he was at the time, I just saw in an informercial I think haha. Did you answer that last question with a random Chuck Norris fact? Well, not about him, specifically. I shared a random fact from my childhood involving him.

What is the most annoying sound in the world? That makes me think of that scene from Dumb and Dumber, ha. Anyway, for me one of them is eating sounds. The smacking, sucking, slurping... C R I N G E. Do you honestly care about calories and fat content? No. Do you often shift blame towards others? I’m actually quick to blame myself for everything. I can be understanding and forgiving towards others, but be very harsh, critical, and unforgiving towards myself for the same things.  Do you ever feel like you’re smarter than your boss? I don’t have a job. Your very first best friend: Is he/she STILL your best friend? My mom still is. Do you add condiments to your ice cream, or just eat it plain? I liked strawberry and/or chocolate syrup with vanilla ice cream. I’m not a sprinkles gal. Have you ever witnessed a crime? Shoplifting.  What’s the coolest personalized license plate you’ve ever seen? I can’t think of one right now. Did you ever have a piggybank that literally ate your money? No.

[osmilizsarian]

I watched Chuck Norris vs. Communism like five times and I cannot express the happiness it brings me.

[uozlulu]

I've never thought about it before, but I looked it up and Romanian is part of the Romantic languages, which explains why it's so easy-ish for me to hear it clearly despite so little exposure

[vex-soluciones]

Chuck Norris vs Communism: La piratería en VHS contra el régimen rumano de los ’80 Lo mejor del cine occidental, desafiando la censura al otro lado del Telón Nota Completa >> Chuck Norris vs Communism: La piratería en VHS contra el régimen rumano de los ’80

[rudyroth79]

Știri: Cinci pelicule românești proiectate la prima ediție a Festivalului Filmului Românesc de la Istanbul (8–29 aprilie 2017) În perioada 8–29 aprilie 2017, la Centrul Cultural Akbank (Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, İstiklal Cd. No.8, 34435, Beyoğlu) se va desfășura prima ediție a 

[brotherhoodoftheslice]

Jeans Crimes and Chuck Norris

Last night some writing group friends and I were discussing the history of black market Western goods and media under the USSR. Like you do. 

Stuff like Soviet “bone music” -- bootleg records printed on old X-rays. I think we can agree that forbidden music copied and shared underground on skeleton records is maximum punk. Or denim smuggling -- which led the incredible coining of the term“jeans crimes” by law enforcement.

Then one guy said, “Wait, have you seen CHUCK NORRIS VS. COMMUNISM? It’s on Netflix!” I confess I hadn’t even heard of it, but oh my god:

Imagine being the woman who voiced almost every film character from the 80s -- a mystery translator who became “the most well-known voice in communist Romania after Nicolae Ceausescu.” Irina Margareta Nistor dubbed thousands of VHS tapes smuggled in from the west. Videos played in secret viewings, on secret VCRs, in one of the most oppressive regimes in the Eastern Bloc.  Amazing. The doc is also a testament to the power of storytelling and shared experiences. (and is very slickly edited. I don’t demand much visually from docs, but this one is cinematic)

[uozlulu]

Decided to watch Chuck Norris vs. Communism (2015), which is a Romanian documentary about censorship and illegally watching foreign movies in the 80's under Nicolae Ceaușescu. It's pretty interesting so far and I like that they have people who lived through it narrating