Films that explore class conflict in subtle ways...

[Os Cangaceiros]

There are a lot of films that do this, I imagine. What are some good ones, in your opinion?

An example of what I'm talking about: I recently watched "A Bronx Tale", which kind of revolves around a conflict between a prole bus driver and a lumpenprole element in his neighborhood, led by a Mafia boss.

A movie about the Russian revolution or a strike or something wouldn't count, that's an explicit exploration of class conflict.

[l'Enfermé]

There are a lot of films that do this, I imagine. What are some good ones, in your opinion?

An example of what I'm talking about: I recently watched "A Bronx Tale", which kind of revolves around a conflict between a prole bus driver and a lumpenprole element in his neighborhood, led by a Mafia boss.

A movie about the Russian revolution or a strike or something wouldn't count, that's an explicit exploration of class conflict.
Funnily enough, I've seen movies about revolutions that don't deal with class conflict.

[MarxSchmarx]

One movie that explores class conflict in a way that is almost incidental until you think about it is "The White Ribbon" by Michael Haneke. It's set about 100 years ago but still strikes one as impressively modern. It has an almost Rashomon like quality to it, developing the story from the perspective of individuals in multiple classes. The class coflict angle also doesn't really come to the forefront until the climax where it does direct the outcome, which makes it really interesting the way it sort of sneaks up on you.

[x359594]

L'Argent (1983) Robert Bresson's last film, subtly explores class by showing how a blue collar worker is convicted of a petty crime he didn't commit and the downward spiral of his life after that. While serving time he meets a radicalized prisoner who says at one point, "Money,visible god, is there anything we wouldn't do for you?"

[Jimmie Higgins]

There are a lot of films that do this, I imagine. What are some good ones, in your opinion?

An example of what I'm talking about: I recently watched "A Bronx Tale", which kind of revolves around a conflict between a prole bus driver and a lumpenprole element in his neighborhood, led by a Mafia boss.

A movie about the Russian revolution or a strike or something wouldn't count, that's an explicit exploration of class conflict.Ken Loach movies range from subtle to overt - maybe leaning more to the overt:lol:.

"Good Will Hunting" is another one.

[Robespierres Neck]

I might be completely out there recommending this, but I've always thought Pink Flamingos addressed it in that nature.

Also, check out some of Luis Bunuel's work, such as The Diary of a Chambermaid orThe Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.

[Ostrinski]

John Q? I guess that's not really subtle. Still a kickass film though.

[Os Cangaceiros]

Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.

That has a class term lodged right into the title!

[Vyacheslav Brolotov]

That has a class term lodged right into the title!

But it also says "Discreet" in the title. Ha!

Well, would Charlie and the Chocolate Factory count as a movie that explores class conflict in a subtle way. One poor kid from a working class family, 4 bourgeoisie brats, and the poor kid ends up reaping all the rewards. Not really class struggle. . .

[GiantMonkeyMan]

But it also says "Discreet" in the title. Ha!

Well, would Charlie and the Chocolate Factory count as a movie that explores class conflict in a subtle way. One poor kid from a working class family, 4 bourgeoisie brats, and the poor kid ends up reaping all the rewards. Not really class struggle. . .

It's not exactly 'umpa lumpa dumpity doonion, we're being used as slave labour so let's form a union'...