Divorce Italian Style
Synopsis
Ferdinando Cefalù is desperate to marry his cousin, Angela, but he is married to Rosalia and divorce is illegal in Italy. To get around the law, he tries to trick his wife into having an affair so he can catch her and murder her, as he knows he would be given a light sentence for killing an adulterous woman. He persuades a painter to lure his wife into an affair, but Rosalia proves to be more faithful than he expected.
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Cast
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Stefania Sandrelli
Angela
Marcello Mastroianni
Ferdinando Cefalù
Daniela Rocca
Rosalia Cefalù
Leopoldo Trieste
Carmelo Patanè
Odoardo Spadaro
Don Gaetano Cefalù
Margherita Girelli
Sisina
Saro Arcidiacono
dottor Talamone
Lando Buzzanca
Rosario Mulè
Pietro Tordi
Attorney De Marzi
Antonio Acqua
Priest
Other Reviews
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Italian cinema in the sixties, especially the early sixties, was something else. A massive powerhouse! Some of the most iconic, medium-defying Italian films came out during that time. So it was easy for some of the movies, especially a movie like 'Divorce Italian Style' that's primary Italian audience-oriented, to lose in the mids of all that cinematic thrive. Yet the movie sits very comfortably amongst what I consider to be the best Italian films. 'Divorce Italian Style is a lavishly textured biting satire that not only mocks on the inability to get a divorce back in the Italy of those days but also on macho masculinity.
Marcello Mastroianni is the core heart of this film. I have watched a few Mastroianni films, and although his performances have been pretty decent, even great, it felt like he always played a specific type of character. I had created this preconception of him always swimming in the same safe waters, not challenging himself much. But make no mistake, he is one of the greats. Alongside his skills as an actor, he has this rare, welcoming charisma. He is a riot in all film fans' hearts - when you look at actors, there's your Romeo. Here he passes through and leaves behind that "archetype" character you've seen him portray in some of his other works and delivers a career-defying performance. The way he can make you chuckle without saying a word brought me to mind the early artisans of the silent film era. He is that good here, giving a charming, hugely enjoyable performance!
To me, 'Divorce Italian Style' was a delight from start to finish. It differs from the other Italian greats that came out back then in how it stays so close to Italians. 'La Dolce Vite,' for example, or other Fellini, I find it to be more far-reaching, appealing worldwide more easily. This film is more humble in its ambition, as it focuses more on Italian life and their laws and culture. But the film is done so well that it deserves the recognition that other Italian classics enjoy.
I talked the most about Marcello because even though the film is written excellently and directed meticulously, this is a performance-driven film. The wickedly funny written script would have amounted to nothing without Mastronianni's pivotal performance. I want to praise that. In conclusion, this is one of the best dark comedies I have ever seen.
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shaban
Italian cinema in the sixties, especially the early sixties, was something else. A massive powerhouse! Some of the most iconic, medium-defying Italian films came out during that time. So it was easy for some of the movies, especially a movie like 'Divorce Italian Style' that's primary Italian audience-oriented, to lose in the mids of all that cinematic thrive. Yet the movie sits very comfortably amongst what I consider to be the best Italian films. 'Divorce Italian Style is a lavishly textured biting satire that not only mocks on the inability to get a divorce back in the Italy of those days but also on macho masculinity.
Marcello Mastroianni is the core heart of this film. I have watched a few Mastroianni films, and although his performances have been pretty decent, even great, it felt like he always played a specific type of character. I had created this preconception of him always swimming in the same safe waters, not challenging himself much. But make no mistake, he is one of the greats. Alongside his skills as an actor, he has this rare, welcoming charisma. He is a riot in all film fans' hearts - when you look at actors, there's your Romeo. Here he passes through and leaves behind that "archetype" character you've seen him portray in some of his other works and delivers a career-defying performance. The way he can make you chuckle without saying a word brought me to mind the early artisans of the silent film era. He is that good here, giving a charming, hugely enjoyable performance!
To me, 'Divorce Italian Style' was a delight from start to finish. It differs from the other Italian greats that came out back then in how it stays so close to Italians. 'La Dolce Vite,' for example, or other Fellini, I find it to be more far-reaching, appealing worldwide more easily. This film is more humble in its ambition, as it focuses more on Italian life and their laws and culture. But the film is done so well that it deserves the recognition that other Italian classics enjoy.
I talked the most about Marcello because even though the film is written excellently and directed meticulously, this is a performance-driven film. The wickedly funny written script would have amounted to nothing without Mastronianni's pivotal performance. I want to praise that. In conclusion, this is one of the best dark comedies I have ever seen.
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shaban
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