The Young Karl Marx (2017) Watch Online Free
26 year-old Karl Marx embarks with his wife, Jenny, on the road to exile. In 1844 in Paris, he meets Friedrich Engels, an industrialist’s son, who has been investigating the sordid birth of the British working class. Engels, the dandy, provides the last piece of the puzzle to the young Karl Marx’s new vision of the world. Together, between censorship and the police’s repression, riots and political upheavals, they will lead the labor movement during its development into a modern era.
The Young Karl Marx (2017), directed by Raoul Peck, explores the early life of Karl Marx, focusing on his intellectual journey and collaboration with Friedrich Engels that eventually led to the creation of the Communist Manifesto. The film begins in 1843, showcasing Marx as a young man in Paris, struggling with financial difficulties while passionately critiquing social inequalities. It portrays his interaction with Engels, who, despite coming from a wealthy background, becomes disillusioned with the harsh realities of industrial labor. The two men form a crucial alliance, which leads to the writing of the Manifesto in 1847.
The movie’s primary focus is on the relationship between Marx and Engels, which transcends mere intellectual collaboration into a deep personal bond. While Marx’s fiery and passionate character is contrasted with Engels’ more organized and thoughtful nature, both men are united in their vision to reform society and address the exploitation of the working class. Jenny von Westphalen, Marx’s wife, and Mary Burns, Engels’ partner, also play significant roles, offering both support and intellectual engagement in their husbands’ revolutionary ideas.
The film not only explores political ideas but also delves into the personal sacrifices and struggles faced by Marx and Engels. It touches on themes of class struggle, revolution, and the harsh realities of poverty, as well as the political tensions of 19th-century Europe. The relationship between Marx and Engels is framed within the broader context of European radical politics, including their interactions with figures like French anarchist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon.
The Young Karl Marx is not just a historical biopic but an insightful commentary on the birth of one of the most influential political ideologies. The film emphasizes the intellectual and emotional journey of two men who, despite their different backgrounds, shared a common belief in the power of the working class to overthrow the existing social order.
The film’s themes revolve around the genesis of Marxism, with a focus on political theory, class struggle, and the complex dynamics between personal relationships and ideological convictions. The portrayal of Marx’s revolutionary ideas offers a more humanized view of the intellectual, showing the personal cost of his unwavering commitment to his vision. The impact of the movie lies in its ability to make the foundational ideas of Marxism accessible and relatable to contemporary audiences, particularly in understanding the philosophical debates that still resonate in modern political discourse.
While the film doesn’t delve deeply into the controversies surrounding Marx’s legacy—such as the misapplication of his theories in Soviet regimes—it presents his intellectual contributions as transformative. It highlights the importance of questioning economic structures and advocating for the working class, ideas that continue to inspire global movements today.
After watching The Young Karl Marx, you may feel intellectually stimulated and reflective about the nature of social change and the persistence of class struggles. The film presents Marx and Engels as both brilliant and flawed individuals, making their ideas feel more grounded and human. It may also leave you questioning the dynamics of wealth, power, and inequality in modern society. Ultimately, the movie could inspire a greater appreciation for the revolutionary impact of ideas and the personal sacrifices often required to bring about systemic change
