1900
1900

1900

1976Movie317 minItalian

The epic tale of a class struggle in twentieth century Italy, as seen through the eyes of two childhood friends on opposing sides.

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Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users87%
Director: Bernardo BertolucciGenres: Drama, History, Romance

Plot Summary

Spanning the first half of the 20th century, '1900' chronicles the intertwined lives of two Italian men from different social classes, Alfredo and Olmo, who grow up together amidst the tumultuous political and social landscape of Italy. Their lifelong friendship and rivalry unfold against the backdrop of World War I, the rise of Fascism, and the eventual defeat of Fascism after World War II. The epic narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, class struggle, and the evolution of Italian society through the eyes of these two men and the women in their lives.

Critical Reception

Bernardo Bertolucci's ambitious and sprawling epic '1900' received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with many critics acknowledging its grand scale, visual splendor, and thematic depth, while others found its length and explicit content challenging. It is often lauded for its powerful performances and its unflinching look at Italian history, though its runtime and operatic style have been points of contention.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning cinematography and epic scope.
  • Criticized by some for its excessive length and deliberate pacing.
  • Lauded for its powerful portrayal of Italian socio-political history and complex characters.

Google audience: Viewers generally appreciate the film's historical scope and visual artistry, finding the story engaging despite its length. Some users found the film's political themes and explicit content to be intense.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Foreign Film.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location across Italy, utilizing various historical sites and settings to authentically capture the changing eras, and famously featured a cast and crew numbering in the hundreds for its massive crowd scenes.

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