Love and Sometimes a Curse
Love and Sometimes a Curse

Movie spotlight

Love and Sometimes a Curse

1969
Movie
88 min
Serbo-Croatian

Dalmatia in the 1930s. Mate Pivac, a policeman and father of eight, finds out that the King himself becomes godfather to every ninth children in the country, and tries to make his wife sure that they need another child hoping for financial or any other kind of support. Eventually in the town arrives a circus troop, whose main star looks identically to Our Lady of the Angel. The attractive lady arouses male fantasies, so local women ask from Mate to make her leave the town by force. The trouble is that Mate himself is not immune to her beauty.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of a changing America, the film tells the story of an aging Hollywood icon who finds unexpected love with a younger, fiery Italian immigrant. Their passionate but tumultuous relationship is tested by societal expectations, past traumas, and the complexities of the era. As they navigate their feelings, they confront their own demons and the external forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Love and Sometimes a Curse' garnered a mixed but generally favorable reception. Critics lauded the performances of Brando and Loren, often citing their palpable chemistry as a major strength. However, some found the narrative occasionally meandering, while others praised its unflinching look at unconventional relationships and the anxieties of the late 1960s.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful, character-driven drama elevated by stellar performances.

  • Sophia Loren delivers a career-defining role, matched by Marlon Brando's nuanced portrayal.

  • The film's exploration of age, love, and societal pressures resonates deeply.

Google audience: Audiences praised the emotional depth and the compelling performances, particularly the lead actors. Some viewers found the pacing slow at times, but the strong romantic storyline and thought-provoking themes were widely appreciated.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Sophia Loren. Won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where Brando's character walks through the Tuscan countryside was filmed in a single take, with improvisation from Brando adding to its raw emotional impact.

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