Cast
View AllToni Servillo
as Vincenzo Giordano Orsini
Salvatore Ficarra
as Domenico Tricò
Valentino Picone
as Rosario Spitale
Tommaso Ragno
as Giuseppe Garibaldi
Giulia Andò
as Assuntina
Pascal Greggory
as Jean Luc Von Mechel
Leonardo Maltese
as Ragusìn
Andrea Gherpelli
as Veterano Bergamasco
Daniele Gonciaruk
as Nino Bixio
Giulia Lazzarini
as Maddalena Orsini
Vincenzo Pirrotta
as Sovrastante
Filippo Luna
as Sindaco di Sambuca
Clara Ponsot
as Rose
Aurora Quattrocchi
as La madre che piange
Rosario Lisma
as Parroco di Sambuca
Crew
Director
- Roberto Andò
Producer
- Attilio De Razza
- Paolo Del Brocco
- Giampaolo Letta
- Angelo Barbagallo
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Illusion examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Roberto Andò brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2025, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Illusion took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 131 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2025, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Illusion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dolce Far Niente (Sweet Doing Nothing), which focuses more on action than character development, The Illusion offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Boom and Vengo anch'io explore similar territory, The Illusion stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 16, 2025
- Runtime: 2h 11m