Movie spotlight
1870
Rome, 1870. Opponents of the church power are being sent to prison. Some of the exhausted prisoners are asking for the mercy of Pope. Others, like Augusto Parenti, prefer to fight for their rights until the end. His wife, Teresa is a simple woman, who gets involved with the rebels.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1870, Italy has just been unified, and a group of peasants are struggling under the weight of new laws and taxes imposed by the fledgling government. When their leader is unjustly imprisoned, the villagers embark on a comedic and ultimately futile rebellion against the authorities. The film satirizes the difficulties of nation-building and the disconnect between idealistic politicians and the realities faced by ordinary people.
Critical Reception
Mario Monicelli's '1870' was generally well-received by critics for its sharp satire and strong performances, particularly from Ugo Tognazzi. It's considered a significant entry in Italian political comedy, though some found its tone a bit uneven. Audiences appreciated its humor and its timely commentary on the challenges of unification.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its biting satire of post-unification Italy.
Ugo Tognazzi delivers a memorable performance.
The film effectively captures the absurdity of political bureaucracy.
Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, highlighting the film's humor and its insightful look at historical struggles.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a thematic trilogy by Monicelli exploring Italian history and society, alongside 'Brancaleone alle crociate' (1970) and 'Amici miei' (1975).
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