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Costa-Gavras

One of the most politically minded and passionate filmmakers of the late 20th century, Greek director Costa-Gavras assailed the forces of corruption, exploitation and power gone wrong in such celebrated films as "Z" (1969), "Missing" (1982) and "Music Box" (1989). Gavras' childhood, which saw his father - a hero for the Greek Resistance in World War II - stand accused of Communism by a totalitarian military junta, fueled the intensity of his best work, which took aim at global forces whom he considered conspiring to crush freedom of thought and liberty for the common man. He received Oscars for "Z" and "Missing," but found himself something of an outcast after 1983's "Hanna K." (1983), which was perceived as pro-Palestinian. Though his work was seen mostly in Europe after 1997, his best films preserved his status as a major figure in international cinema, and a staunch supporter of human rights.