The second adaptation of Raffaello Giovagnoli's novel comes at a time when Italy really started pumping out their epic films with the longer running times, expensive sets and lavish production values. This film really doesn't stray too far from the source as we have our hero Spartacus being sold as a slave only to rise up and battle the evil Crassus.
The second adaptation of Raffaello Giovagnoli's novel comes at a time when Italy really started pumping out their epic films with the longer running times, expensive sets and lavish production values. This film really doesn't stray too far from the source as we have our hero Spartacus being sold as a slave only to rise up and battle the evil Crassus.
Come with me, you whose pulse beats faster than the magic name of freedom…”. If your appreciation of this acclaimed rebel comes courtesy of Stanley Kubrick and Kirk Douglas, then you might not readily recognise this far earlier telling of his story. Not least because the characterisation of Crassus from Enrico Bracci far more closely resembles Charles Laughton than Sir Laurence! This version establishes our hero as a defeated Thracian chief brought home by Crassus after his successful foray into Asia Minor. Initially, he is well enough treated and trains to be a gladiator whilst his wife “Idamis” (Cristina Ruspoli) becomes a confidante of the powerful “Narona” (Maria Gandini). That all goes a bit pear-shaped when Spartacus is accused of killing a man, and his resultant treatment opens his eyes to the ghastly treatment of thousands of slaves at the hands of their Roman masters. Thereafter, we see something more familiar as these slaves realise their gladiatorial skills prove to be more than a match for their guards and their silver-armoured commanders. What is really quite striking here is the quality of the production. Not just the costumes and sets, but the location photography and the naturally choreographed combat scenes with swords, daggers, lions and nets used adeptly by actors and stuntmen alike. It’s also quite noticeable that we don’t have too many of the cast looking adoringly at the camera nor do we get that sense of “performance” that’s often got with historical silent features. After a few introductory scenes, the film gets it self into top gear and cruises along entertainingly.
In revolutionary Iran, as fundamentalists tighten their grip on society, a professor secretly gathers seven of her most dedicated female students to read and discuss forbidden classics of Western literature, including Lolita and Pride and Prejudice. Based on the bestselling memoir by Azar Nafisi. A film by Eran Riklis starring Golshifteh Farahani (Paterson), Zar Amir (Holy Spider), and Mina Kavani (No Bears).
A pair of twin brothers from East L.A. choose to live their lives differently and end up on opposite sides of the law.
After the lewd and frenetic Dance of the Seven Veils, and with the solemn pledge from the very lips of Herod himself that she could have whatever her heart desires up to half his kingdom, wanton and proud young Salomé comes before her king with an unreasonable demand. Beguiled by John the Baptist, and then scorned for the sake of his god, lascivious Salomé—encouraged by her mother, the vindictive, Herodias—commands that John be executed and his head delivered on a silver platter.
Two law school friends find themselves at odds when one becomes a Justice Department lawyer and the other goes into politics.
Dr. Alan Stone breaks new ground for treatment of the mentally ill through an experiment on three paranoid schizophrenic patients who believe they are Jesus Christ.
A daughter seeks to restore the reputation of her disgraced father, a wronged college professor. With help of a professional student, she must overcome an ambitious sorority bitch and corrupt college dean.
West Philadelphia basketball star Sergio Taylor deals with the pressures of fame while his brother and sister have their own issues with ambition.
In New York City, a young girl is caught in the middle of her parents' bitter custody battle.
American retired Judge Randall Nemes and his hired gun, Gaspar, track down a con man posing as a priest in a small Colombian town only to be thrown off-course by a scrappy 16-year-old girl intent on reuniting with her sister in the United States.
An ex-felon returns home from prison and must confront the demons of his past.