ActuallyGlimmer The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

mraculeated The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Stephan Hammond It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Myron Clemons A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Lomedin I first knew of this film because of a quote at the beginning of a song. After a little research, I found that it came from this film and, finding the synopsis interesting, watched it. I found several other mind-blowing quotes, and a sense of fear that normally lies controlled under all the illusory security and freedom our governments force unto us via the media machinery and embedded social standards to keep the masses happy in their ignorance. I am not strange to that feeling, since I may know too much for my own good, and also like to do my best to fight this putrid system we were all born into. Punishment Park is shocking because it is happening. I've seen it. While your average Joe rants about the increase in taxes while drowning his frustration in a can of beer, there are others who actually take action. And are at risk of suffering the torments of the so-called "law" in the name of a distorted justice and self-created ideals such as patriotism or morality. The "judges" portrayed in this film do exist, full of absurd and obsolete ideas, believing to be the voice of reason, while those who actually speak sense are treated like criminals, gagged and beaten by the arm of the law, individuals just like any other people who, by the almighty and imaginary power of state, are given the authority to command and do as they please with the common citizen. This movie is not a false documentary. It's a depiction of what has been happening for years in America, in Europe, in Asia, in every continent and with every government. You, thinking you can be as free as you can possibly imagine, whose biggest worries are what to have for dinner, take heed. The body lying on the pavement could be you, murdered by those who claim to come in the name of peace. "At another time, the honorable thing or the right thing to do might be to be a policeman or to be President. Right now, I think the honorable thing to do is to be a criminal"

russianberserker Peter Watkins' rarely seen Punishment Park is a brutality-laced, uncompromised political weapon set across a never ending desertscape. An unapologetically left leaning anti authoritarian abuse fest, the escapades at first appear to be so over the top militaristic and sickening that it could come off as some distant fantastical dystopian alternate history, one Harry Turtledove would even enjoy. But once we delve deeper in and really pay attention to the abhorrent diatribe spouting out of those presiding over the tent topped tribunal, as well as the shotgun toting guards overseeing the bloody affair, our eyes are truly opened. Suddenly we realize just how prescient Watkins' film-making is, as much of this is the kind of neo-con talking points about youth culture and the legality of divergent thought tossed around by politicians today. Granted, much of it was drivel pouring out then as well, but it really shows us how little has changed, and informs of how, in some ways, we are closer to such a world where Punishment Parks would be a real and frightening operation.The main players in nearly every scene are seasoned non actors, mostly chosen for their rash political views and desire to get them on camera. This lends an unprecedented heap of authenticity to the entire experience as we never, even for a second, question the reality of all the chaos. Shot documentary style with 16mm film, this appears like a gritty documentation of some despicable government test project that was classified until found years later. At least it appears to have that history to it now, maybe not as much when it was (barely) released. But this gives an added weight to all the proceedings and helps draw you into this incredible not-so-alternate universe of torture for convicted dissidents.

ellkew This is a prophetic film about the US government quashing any kind of dissent against what it considers its moral codes of the day. Putting those accused in front of a farcical panel that represents the establishment or is supposed to speak for the masses and condemns them to be incarcerated or face possible freedom by going through the terrain of Punishment Park and if succeeding to eventual freedom. The fact that the band of 'kids' have to traverse over 50 miles in impossible desert heat with no water with armed police in pursuit is an indication of their certain fate.This is a film that boils the blood. It made me angry. It made me feel sick. It made me think. I could not believe it was made such a long time ago. It seems to reflect exactly what is going on right now in Cuba with those prisoners who still have not been charged. What the hell is going on and how can they do that? Totally contravene international law on human rights. This film covers so many themes and issues about society and how we treat anyone questioning the status quo. The film shows a tipping in the balance of power. The point where the state runs amok and is allowed to carry out its ultimate goal of simply removing dissenter from the equation. Surely diversity is the essence of humanity? What is particularly sad is that Peter Watkins himself is not given carte blanche by some British television channel to make what he wishes as this is clearly a man who has something to say. In this age of dumbed down television with anodine members of the public exposing their flesh, constantly effete presenters and vacuous woman designers, don't we deserve to aim somewhat higher in what we produce and send out to the masses. Don't we want to dream anymore?

kosmasp As far as fake documentaries go (fakumentaries anyone?), this one is up there with the best! It looks very real and that is what it aims for. In recent light of events (Guantanamo) this movie is even scarier, so you could say it was ahead of it's time, when it was released in the 70s! One can only hope that a government like that doesn't exist! Looking for terrorists and interviewing people just like that? Of course the people interviewed all seemed to have the same (70s mentality): Screw the politicians and politics in general. Maybe that wasn't so clever one might think ... but hey, don't forget: It's only a movie! ;o)