Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000

Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000 is a 1976 Franco-Swiss film, directed by Alain Tanner and written by John Berger in collaboration with Tanner. An emblematic film of the post-May 1968 period representing the era's ethos, it explores various social and political changes, featuring characters of diverse backgrounds and ideologies. Combining elements of comedy, drama, and romance, the movie stands as a symbolic trait of a generation dealing with the aftermath of the revolutionary years: its successes, its failures, and the way forward.

The movie primarily revolves around the life of its eight lead characters, residing in Geneva, Switzerland. Despite their different professions- teacher, journalist, factory worker, butcher - the compelling narrative ties their fate together unpredictably. Each character is imbibed with varied ideologies and are dealing with individual challenges.

Among the characters, there is Marcel, an honest and sincere yet unemployed typesetter, who had recently been fired for his earnestness. His wife Julie, with an inherent interest in organic farming, grows vegetables in her backyard. The couple has an infant son, who they believe by the year 2000, their son Jonah would be at a ripe age to face the changes they anticipated would occur by then.

Max, a self-proclaimed philosopher, is perpetually trying to devise a mathematical model to predict the future. His wife Mathilde is a dedicated teacher alerting her students about the evils of pollution - an early reflection of the growing environmental consciousness.

Gabriel is a militant Marxist turned salesman after being disillusioned by the failure of the revolution, dealing with feelings of futility. Marco, a foreigner working in the country, resonates with the sense of being an outsider. His girlfriend Marie is a checkout clerk, determined to maintain her independence.

Loosely congregated around a small allotment garden, they represent a microcosm of society, reflecting the different faces of rebellion and adaptation in the aftermath of the revolutionary 1960s. The motley group helps the audience navigate the social and political wave that swept over contemporary western society.

The film has a somewhat documentary style with fragmented narratives. It doesn’t dwell much on storytelling but keeps a lot of space for individual dialogues and conversations that reveal personal philosophies, doubts, and introspections. This unique style of storytelling brings a fresh perspective on the interplay of various ideologies and personal struggles of the group and individual relations within it.

All eight characters handle their personal quest in their unique ways, but their paths cross each other, creating a vibrant and touching tapestry of human connections and shared ideals. The title character, Jonah, as a symbol of hope and future, silently pervades the narrative. The adult protagonists toil in the present, hoping for a future where their dreams and ideals come to fruition.

The film provides a snapshot of a specific period in history while tapping into universal ideals: personal growth, social justice, and collective responsibility. Through a panorama of diverse characters and rich dialogue, it explores the various ways people navigate the dynamic socio-political landscape of the time.

The ensemble cast, including Myriam Boyer, Jean-Luc Bideau, and Miou-Miou, give strong performances, creating characters that feel incredibly real and resonate with viewers. They bring forth a distinctive balance between their varying philosophical stances, effectively capturing the texture of their era and the tension inherent in the paradoxes that it yields.

While watching Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000, the viewers oscillate between the drives of personal aspirations and social coherence. The narratives of the eight protagonists guide us through this journey as they learn, adapt, grow, fail, and rise again. As a French New Wave film, it invites viewers to reflect on their philosophical standing and the kind of future they wish to shape for the coming generation, represented here by Jonah.

Overall, Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000 is a thought-provoking movie that adeptly blends elements of comedy, drama, and romance, leaving a profound impact on viewers. Its examination of important social and political issues of the time, coupled with strong performances by its ensemble cast, make it a must-watch for film enthusiasts interested in French New Wave cinema.