Cast
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Rik Battaglia
as Orlando / Roland
Rosanna Schiaffino
as Angelica / Angélique
Lorella De Luca
as Alda / Aude
Fabrizio Mioni
as Rinaldo
Vittorio Sanipoli
as Gano di Maganza
Clelia Matania
as La nutrice
Ivo Garrani
as Carlo Magno
Ugo Sasso
as Agramante
Mimmo Palmara
as Argalia
Franco Cobianchi
as Zerbino
Cesare Fantoni
as Agramante
Gian Paolo Rosmino
as Vescovo Turpino
Claudio Undari
as Balicante
Gianni Luda
as Saverio
Tony Amendola
as Alì
Crew
Director
- Pietro Francisci
Writer
- Ennio De Concini
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane War/History/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Roland the Mighty distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Pietro Francisci 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 1956, 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 Roland the Mighty took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 189 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1956, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Roland the Mighty shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, which focuses more on action than character development, Roland the Mighty offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Warriors of Heaven and Earth and Kochadaiiyaan explore similar territory, Roland the Mighty stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: December 6, 1956
- Runtime: 1h 39m
