Cast
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Mel Ferrer
as Don Paolo Salinas
Amedeo Nazzari
as Costantino Corraine
Lea Massari
as Agnese Barras
Henri Vilbert
as Niccodemo Barras
Germaine Kerjean
as Maddalena Solinas
Eduardo Ciannelli
as Vescovo
Decimo Cristiani
as Antonio
Paolo Ferrara
as Maresciallo Taddei
Mario Guglielmi
as Mareddu
Ornella Spegni
as La vedova Casu
Giulio Battiferri
as
Antonio Gradoli
as
Renato Terra
as
Aldo Pini
as
Mimmo Palmara
as
Crew
Director
- Mario Monicelli
Producer
- Gianni Hecht Lucari
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Forbidden examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mario Monicelli 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 1955, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Forbidden took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 324 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Forbidden shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Return of Martin Guerre, which focuses more on action than character development, Forbidden subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Pirú and Goodnight, Mister Tom explore similar territory, Forbidden stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 23, 1955
- Runtime: 1h 30m
