Year: 1983
Runtime: 136 mins
Language: French
Director: Andrzej Wajda
Former allies Danton and Robespierre, once comrades in the Revolution, become enemies by 1793 as Robespierre imposes the Reign of Terror and orders executions. Danton, a popular advocate of the people, returns from the countryside to denounce the regime and demand rights. Robespierre arranges Danton’s arrest and execution, sealing their tragic conflict.
Get a spoiler-free look at Danton (1983) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the winter‑gray streets of Paris, 1793, every cobblestone seems to echo the weight of a nation teetering between liberty and oppression. Bread lines snake through rain‑slick alleys, and the air hums with whispered rumors of committees, tribunals, and an ever‑watchful gaze that turns ordinary citizens into cautious spectators. The city is a pressure cooker of fear, scarcity, and fleeting hope, painted in muted tones that make even sunlight feel like a distant memory.
At the heart of this charged atmosphere sits Robespierre, a gaunt figure whose rigid convictions have helped shape the Revolution’s most uncompromising policies. He moves through the streets with an air of detached resolve, his decisions dictating the rhythm of daily life. Across the same tumultuous stage, Danton bursts back from the provinces, greeted by a crowd that still remembers his fiery oratory and his reputation as a champion of the people. His return ignites a surge of populist energy that challenges the prevailing order, while Desmoulins, a bold printer, circulates pamphlets that keep the conversation alive in cafés and hidden rooms.
The clash between these two once‑allied titans fuels the film’s relentless tension, turning political philosophy into a personal duel. As rain falls over lantern‑lit squares, allegiances shift like shadows, and the audience is drawn into a world where idealism battles pragmatism on every street corner. The tone is a stark, almost theatrical portrait of a society on the brink, where eloquence can sway a crowd as surely as fear can silence it. Within this crucible, the characters navigate loyalty, ambition, and the haunting question of what a Republic must sacrifice to survive.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 16:19
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where high ideals are corrupted by power, leading to personal and political tragedy.Find more movies like Danton that explore the tragic downfall of political idealism. These films often feature historical or fictional revolutions where the pursuit of power betrays the original cause, leading to bleak conclusions and heavy emotional weight for viewers who enjoy serious political dramas.
The narrative typically follows a visionary or revolutionary figure whose ideals clash with the pragmatic, often brutal, necessities of maintaining power. The story arc is a descent, moving from hope and action to disillusionment, betrayal, and often a tragic end, highlighting the fragility of political virtue.
Movies in this thread are united by their focus on the moral corrosion of power, the collapse of utopian visions, and the personal tragedies that occur when political comrades become enemies. They share a tense, serious, and ultimately bleak tone.
Intense stories of personal betrayal within a collapsing political system.If you liked the tense power struggle and grim atmosphere of Danton, this list features similar movies about fatal rivalries in oppressive settings. These stories are characterized by high intensity, a steady pace towards a tragic conclusion, and a heavy focus on moral conflict and betrayal.
The narrative is built around a central, escalating conflict between two powerful figures whose relationship has soured. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil, the story creates a sense of claustrophobia and inevitability, as ideological debates become personal battles leading to a definitive, bleak resolution.
These films are grouped by their oppressive atmosphere, the intense focus on a single, fatal rivalry, and the exploration of how power corrupts personal bonds. They deliver a consistent experience of dread and tragic inevitability.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Danton in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Danton is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Danton, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Danton with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Danton. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Danton: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Danton that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Danton (1983) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Danton (1983) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Danton (1983) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Danton – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Duellists (1978) Full Movie Breakdown
One Nation, One King (2018) Film Overview & Timeline
The French Revolution (1989) Story Summary & Characters
Danton (1983) Full Movie Breakdown
Chouans! (1988) Full Movie Breakdown
The Reign of Terror (1914) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Reign of Terror (1949) Full Summary & Key Details
Marie-Antoinette Queen of France (1956) Complete Plot Breakdown
Life Love Death (1969) Story Summary & Characters
Danton’s Death (1978) Movie Recap & Themes
Napoleon (1927) Ending Explained & Film Insights
La terreur et la vertu: Danton (1964) Detailed Story Recap
Danton (1921) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Terror! Robespierre and the French Revolution (2009) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Danton (1931) Film Overview & Timeline