Cast
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Sergio Assisi
as Ferdinando I
Gabriella Pession
as Maria Carolina
Nicole Grimaudo
as Principessa di Medina
Adriano Pantaleo
as Ferdinando I Borbone (bambino)
Lola Pagnani
as Sara Goudar
Carlo Caprioli
as Emperor Giuseppe d'Asburgo
Moira Grassi
as Countess S. Marco
Vanessa Sabet
as Maria Giuseppa
Matt Patresi
as Angelo Goudar
Yari Gugliucci
as Gennarino Rivelli
Lucilla Vacondio
as Lady Stratfordshire
Elena Presti
as Principessa di Floridia
Paolo De Giorgio
as Principe di Caramanico
Moira Grassi
as Contessa S. Marco
Carlo Caprioli
as Imperatore Giuseppe D'Asburgo
Crew
Director
- Lina Wertmüller
Writer
- Lina Wertmüller
- Raffaele La Capria
Producer
- Edwin Fenech
- Edwige Fenech
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Ferdinando and Carolina 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 Lina Wertmüller 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 1999, 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 Ferdinando and Carolina took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1441 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 30 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ferdinando and Carolina shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike My Life Without Me, which focuses more on action than character development, Ferdinando and Carolina subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Open Hearts and Italian for Beginners explore similar territory, Ferdinando and Carolina stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: April 2, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 42m
