5 Documentaries about Karl Marx

Insightful Perspectives on His Life and Legacy

Karl Marx, one of history's most influential philosophers and economists, has left an indelible mark on global thought and modern socio-economic theories. His teachings continue to inspire, challenge, and provoke debate among scholars, politicians, and activists worldwide.

Viewers interested in exploring the life and ideas of this controversial figure can turn to a selection of engaging documentaries. These films delve into various aspects of Marx's life, from his early years to his lasting impact on contemporary society, offering invaluable insights into his complex legacy.

1) Genius of the Modern World (2016)

Join historian Bettany Hughes as she delves into the life and legacy of Karl Marx, a thinker whose revolutionary ideas reshaped the world. Born into a wealthy Prussian family, Marx's journey from privilege to radicalism took him across Europe, leaving a trail of political upheaval and intellectual transformation. In Paris, he developed his scathing critique of capitalism, exposing its deep-seated impact on human nature. In Brussels, he joined forces with Friedrich Engels to pen the Communist Manifesto, a call to arms for the working class.

Marx's relentless pursuit of his theories led him to London, where his dedication to his work plunged his family into hardship and despair. Despite the initial neglect of his seminal work, Das Kapital, Marx's vision would ignite one of the most powerful and contentious movements in history. Through expert insights and newly uncovered evidence, Bettany Hughes paints a vivid portrait of Karl Marx, revealing the man behind the ideology and the enduring impact of his groundbreaking ideas.

View more on BBC's Documentary on Karl Marx (2016)

2) Marx Reloaded (2011)

"Marx Reloaded" is a German documentary made in 2011, directed by Jason Barker. This film delves into the resurgence of interest in Karl Marx's ideas in the context of the global economic crises of 2008-09.

The documentary features renowned philosophers and theorists, examining how Marx's theories apply to contemporary financial disruptions. Interviews with figures like Michael Hardt and Toni Negri provide diverse perspectives on Marxist thought.

The title "Marx Reloaded" is a playful nod to the film "The Matrix Reloaded," hinting at a reinterpretation of Marx's theories. It aligns with cultural references to emphasize the film's contemporary relevance.

Engaging and thought-provoking, "Marx Reloaded" encourages viewers to reconsider economic systems and possibilities beyond capitalism. It's a rich resource for anyone interested in political philosophy and economic theory.

For more information, visit IMDb.

3) The Young Karl Marx (2017)

The Young Karl Marx is a historical drama directed by Raoul Peck. It explores the early life of Karl Marx, focusing on his relationships with Friedrich Engels and his wife, Jenny Marx.

Set in the mid-19th century, the film portrays the turbulent political landscape of the time. It captures Marx's fiery personality and his collaboration with Engels.

The movie is praised for its historical accuracy and deeply researched screenplay. It features strong performances by August Diehl as Karl Marx and Stefan Konarske as Friedrich Engels.

Raoul Peck, previously known for his documentary "I Am Not Your Negro," brings a unique perspective to this biopic. The film had its world premiere at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival in 2017.

To learn more, visit IMDb.

4) Karl Marx City (2016)

Karl Marx City is a German documentary film directed by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein. The film premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.

Petra Epperlein's journey takes viewers through former East Germany as she searches for answers about her father's suicide in 1999.

The documentary combines personal narrative with historical context, utilizing talking-head interviews with historians and experts.

It provides a chilling examination of the Stasi, East Germany's secret police, and the pervasive surveillance state they maintained.

This emotive and insightful film offers a glimpse into the psychological and social impacts of living under a dictatorship.

For more information, visit IMDb.

5) Marx und Engels - Stationen ihres Lebens (1978-1980)

Embark on an 11-part docudrama journey through the lives, teachings, and works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. This comprehensive series explores pivotal moments in the personal and political evolution of these towering figures, from Marx's birth in 1818 to Engels' death in 1895.

Witness their early years, marked by intellectual curiosity and fervent idealism, as they navigate the social and political landscapes of 19th-century Europe. Follow Marx and Engels through their groundbreaking collaboration, which produced revolutionary works like the Communist Manifesto, and delve into the challenges they faced, from political exile to personal hardships.

Through dramatic reenactments and expert commentary, "Marx und Engels - Stationen ihres Lebens" brings to life the dynamic partnership that shaped one of the most influential ideologies in modern history. Discover the human stories behind the legends, and gain a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of their revolutionary ideas.

For more information, visit IMDb.

Historical Context of Karl Marx

Karl Marx, born in 1818 in Trier, Prussia, experienced a world on the brink of industrial and social transformation. His upbringing and education, alongside the pervasive influence of the Industrial Revolution, shaped his revolutionary ideals.

Early Life and Education

Karl Marx was born into a prosperous family. His father, a lawyer, converted from Judaism to Lutheranism, reflecting the socio-political constraints of the time. Marx initially studied law at the University of Bonn but later shifted to philosophy at the University of Berlin.

His early academic pursuits were steeped in the works of philosophers like Hegel, whose dialectical method left a profound impact on him. Moreover, his involvement with radical thinkers and journalists during his university years nurtured his critical views on society and economy.

Influence of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution, with its rapid technological advancements and changing labor dynamics, deeply influenced Marx's thinking. The era saw significant shifts, including the rise of factories, urbanization, and stark class divisions.

Marx's observations of the exploitation of the working class and the concentration of wealth among industrial capitalists fueled his critique of capitalism. These socio-economic transformations provided a concrete framework for his theories on surplus value and class struggle.

He argued that the capitalist system inherently led to class conflicts, which he believed would eventually result in a proletarian revolution.

Key Philosophical Contributions

Karl Marx's influence on modern political thought and economics is largely derived from pivotal works that lay out his critical theories on society, economy, and politics. The upcoming subsections explore his primary contributions in detail.

The Communist Manifesto

The Communist Manifesto, co-authored with Friedrich Engels in 1848, presents Marx's revolutionary views on class struggle and the organization of society. It argues that history is a series of class conflicts driven by materialism.

The text calls for the working class (proletariat) to overthrow the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and establish a classless, stateless society. Core ideas include the abolition of private property and the means of production being held in common ownership.

Das Kapital

Das Kapital is Marx's most extensive work, examining the capitalist system's mechanics and dynamics. Published in three volumes, it delves deep into the labor theory of value, surplus value, and the exploitation inherent in capitalism.

Marx critiques the ways capitalists extract surplus value from workers, arguing that this exploitation is the root cause of poverty and inequality. He also explores the cyclical crises and contradictions that he believed would eventually lead to capitalism's downfall.

Theory of Surplus Value

The Theory of Surplus Value is a central concept in Marx’s critique of political economy. He posits that surplus value—the difference between the value produced by labor and the wages paid to laborers—is the source of all profit in capitalism.

This theory underpins Marx's argument about exploitation, as it highlights how capitalists derive wealth from the unpaid labor of workers. The theory also examines how surplus value drives the accumulation of capital, which Marx links to capitalistic crises and systemic instability.