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A neat historical thriller, fiorile is my first Taviani film, but it probably won't be my last. I hadn't really read much about the film, except to form the opinion that it was probably a routine quality children's fantasy film, so I let it pass me by for years. It is actually a historical thriller about several generations of a family, told as a tale to the children of the present day family, mingled with a caution about the legend's possible effect on the children. There are some rather predictable elements to the film, but the acting is excellent by all, and the sumptuous Italian settings give a feel of Shakespeare mixed with the modern day, and the ending has considerable style. Well worth adding to your collection.
mp.visser
I really enjoyed this movie, and am ever so happy I taped it at the time it ran on TV. The great thing about this movie is that it is so normal. A family driving to granny and telling the kids a story on the way. And then later how the kids are playing and weaving the story their parents told them in their play. I far prefer European films like this to the ones we get here from the states. Why, you wonder, well if this was made in Hollywood, an escaped gangster would have come along to steal the treasure and father would have taken revenge or something like that... No, the only thing that is a petty is that movies like this are not distributed main stream, but only in arty farty circles. So most movies like this will never reach main stream audience, or even will be distributed outside their originating country. I am pretty sure there are a lot of movies that are great, brilliant movies, but I will never get to see them, because of the distribution.Pieter
peyman_toossy
Driving to visit his ill father in Italian countryside, a father recalls the story of his family for his daughter and son...this unforgettable story of human greed and dishonesty and how wealth can taint the spirit is one of the most intense and moving stories i've ever come across with... juxtaposition of present and past in the same sets and the multiple roles characters play is as precious as the script and photography.... don't miss this one even if you're too busy.
Roncito-2
If you've been looking for a great story, beautifully told, watch this movie. Like many Italian films, it portrays truths that are absent the linear, "everything has to pay off" American cinema. The story drifts in and out of different epochs with clever transitions that would make David Lean jealous. The actors are uniformly excellent with special praise owed to the exquisite Galatea Ranzi.This is a film that can be seen again and again and enjoyed each time for the new discoveries and pleasures that it brings.