Cast
View AllElisabete Pimenta Boaretto
as Silvia
Lucia Prato
as Lina
Gaetano Russo
as Fred (as Ronald Russo)
Giorgio Cerioni
as Mario
Paul Müller
as Procurer
Maurice Poli
as Commissioner Roy
Silvia Cipollone
as Gretel
Massimiliano Cipollone
as Hansel
Brigitte Christensen
as Solange (uncredited)
Roberta Orlandi
as Rosi (uncredited)
Zora Kerova
as Woman in Bath (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Giovanni Simonelli
Producer
- Antonio Lucidi
- Luigi Nannerini
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Hansel and Gretel presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Giovanni Simonelli 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, 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 Hansel and Gretel took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2049 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 27m