Cast
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Michele Placido
as Marco Terzi
Claudio Amendola
as Pietro Giancona
Francesco Benigno
as Natale Sperandeo
Alessandra Di Sanzo
as Mario 'Mery' Libassi
Tony Sperandeo
as Turris
Roberto Mariano
as Antonio Patanè
Maurizio Prollo
as Claudio Catalano
Filippo Genzardi
as Matteo Mondello
Giovanni Alamia
as Marra
Alfredo Li Bassi
as Carmelo Vella
Salvatore Termini
as Giovanni 'King Kong' Trapani
Gianluca Favilla
as Rosaspina Prison Director
Giuseppe Giarraffa
as Carmelo's Brother
Michela Cusano
as Lia
Matteo Mondello
as
Crew
Director
- Marco Risi
Producer
- Claudio Bonivento
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Mary Forever 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 Marco Risi 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 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mary Forever 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 148 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 386 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mary Forever shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike American Beauty, which focuses more on action than character development, Mary Forever subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 15 Years and The Big Black Sow explore similar territory, Mary Forever 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: May 4, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 42m
