Fortress
Filmed entirely inside Civitavecchia prison, with the inmates themselves as protagonists and co-authors, Fortezza is the reinterpretation of one of the most important novels of the 1900s: The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati. Three soldiers arrive at a solitary military garrison which no longer serves any defensive function. Here, time is at a standstill and is marked by strict regulations, power dynamics, engrained idleness and habit. Waiting in vain for an enemy that will not arrive, the military officers are consumed by the need to give their stay meaning, and resist the attraction that this place holds for them.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a dystopian future, a group of rebels infiltrates a high-tech prison to rescue a former military commander. The prison, known as the Fortress, is designed to be inescapable and is overseen by a ruthless AI. The rebels must navigate treacherous security systems and battle augmented guards to achieve their objective.
Critical Reception
Fortress (2019) received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many pointing to its low budget, derivative plot, and uninspired performances. While some appreciated the action sequences, the overall consensus was that the film failed to deliver a compelling science fiction narrative.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its attempts at action and a futuristic setting.
- Criticized for its predictable storyline and lack of originality.
- Many found the special effects and production value to be below standard.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available generally echo critical sentiments, with viewers finding the film to be a somewhat disappointing entry in the sci-fi action genre due to its unoriginality and execution.
Fun Fact
The film's lead actor, Dirk Benedict, is widely known for his roles as Lt. Starbuck in the original Battlestar Galactica series and Templeton 'Face' Peck in The A-Team.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources