Peter Watkins, whose brilliant film THE WAR GAME (1965) is still banned by the BBC, fell flat this time as he ventured into sub-B movie territory. Set in the near future, countries engage in televised gladiatorial bouts known as the Peace Games. Sponsored by a spaghetti company, the
games are intended to subdue man's aggressive tendencies. During the 256th game (China versus the West) a radical French student intervenes and inadvertently causes the computer to assassinate a British soldier and the Chinese prisoner he loves. A disappointing failure.
Released:
1969
Rated:
NR
Length:
90 mins