Films or documentaries about Italian nobles provide a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyles, political intrigues, and historical significance of the Italian aristocracy. These stories often depict the opulence of noble families, their struggles for power, and the impact they had on Italian society. Here are some existing films and documentaries that explore this captivating subject:
“The Last Emperor”, 1987
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Although not specifically focused on Italian nobles, this Academy Award-winning film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci offers a glimpse into the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China. As an Italian nobleman, Bertolucci brings his unique perspective to this historical drama, highlighting the cultural clash between East and West.
Starring: John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ying Ruocheng, Victor Wong, Dennis Dun, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Maggie Han, Ric Young, Vivian Wu, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Jade Go, Fumihiko Ikeda, Richard Vuu, Tsou Tijger, Wu Tao, Fan Guang, Henry Kyi, Alvin Riley III, Lisa Lu, Hideo Takamatsu, Hajime Tachibana, Basil Pao, Henry O, Chen Kaige, Zhang Liangbin, Huang Wenjie, Liang Dong, Dong Zhendong, Dong Jiechen, Constantine Gregory, Soong Huaikuei, Shao Ruzhen, Li Yu, Li Guangli, Xu Chunquing, Zhang Tianmin, Luo Hongnian, Yu Shihong, Wu Jun, Lucia Hwong, Cui Jingping, Shi Liang, Gu Junguo, Xu Tongrui, Li Fusheng, Chen Shu, Cheng Shuyan, Zhang Daxing, Zu Ruigang;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: biography, history, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 163 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Last Emperor” on the website imdb.com
“The Borgias”, 2011
Director: Neil Jordan, Kari Skogland, John Maybury, Jon Amiel
This television series, created by Neil Jordan, follows the infamous Borgia family during the Renaissance period. Led by patriarch Rodrigo Borgia, who later becomes Pope Alexander VI, the Borgias engage in political maneuverings, corruption, and scandal to maintain their power and influence in Italy.
Starring: Jeremy Irons, François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, Peter Sullivan, Sean Harris, Joanne Whalley, Lotte Verbeek, Colm Feore, Vernon Dobtcheff, David Oakes, Bosco Hogan, Gina McKee, David Alpay, Julian Bleach, Sebastian De Souza, Thure Lindhardt, Steven Berkoff, Ruta Gedmintas, Ronan Vibert, Michel Muller, Promitheas Aliferopoulos, Luke Pasqualino, Pilou Asbæk, Abraham Belaga, Simon McBurney, Roger Lloyd Pack, Jesse Bostick, Noah Silver, László Konter, Mark Noble, Joseph Macnab, Augustus Prew, Aidan Alexander, Cyron Bjørn Melville, Edward de Souza, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Brendan Cowell, Edward Akrout, Charlie Carrick, Peter Stebbings, Tom Austen, Mickey Sumner, Jemima West, Melia Kreiling, Ivan Kaye, Harry Taurasi, Linda Marlowe, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Luke Allen-Gale, Leo Bill;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime, history;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “The Borgias” on the website imdb.com
“The Young Pope”, 2016
Director: Paolo Sorrentino
Although not specifically about Italian nobles, this television series created by Paolo Sorrentino tells the story of Lenny Belardo, the first American Pope in history. Set in the Vatican City, the show explores the inner workings of the Catholic Church and the complexities of power and faith.
Starring: Jude Law, Diane Keaton, Silvio Orlando, Javier Cámara, Scott Shepherd, Cécile de France, Ludivine Sagnier, Toni Bertorelli, James Cromwell, Ignazio Oliva, Marcello Romolo, Frank Gingerich, Allison Case, Olivia Macklin, Daniel Vivian, Janet Frances Baines, Armando Pizzuti, Gianluca Guidi, Vladimir Bibic, Ramón García, Jim Adhi Limas, Sara Lazzaro, Edoardo Bussi, Matteo Lai, Sebastian Roché, Maurizio Lombardi, Nadie Kammallaweera, Jacob Desvarieux, Jack McQuaid, Collin Smith, Biagio Forestieri, Tony Plana, Rayna Tharani, Giancarlo Fares, Alessia Giulia Trujillo Alva, Stefano Accorsi, Guy Boyd, Andre Gregory, Kevin Jackson, Franco Pinelli, Jan Hoag, Monica Cetti, Robert Brodie Booth, Francesca Cutolo, Alex Esola, Giuseppe Sanfelice, Kristy Golden, Luke Grakal, Carolina Carlsson, Delaina Hlavin;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “The Young Pope” on the website imdb.com
These films and documentaries offer a captivating glimpse into the lives of Italian nobles, showcasing their opulence, struggles, and the impact they had on Italian history and society.
In the captivating world of films and documentaries about Italian nobles, audiences are transported to a realm of opulence, intrigue, and timeless elegance. These productions offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the lives of the Italian aristocracy, showcasing their grand estates, lavish lifestyles, and the intricate web of power and politics that defined their era. Whether delving into the tumultuous Renaissance period or the glamorous courts of the Baroque era, these portrayals provide a rich tapestry of historical drama, romance, and the complexities of nobility. Through their exquisite cinematography and compelling storytelling, these films and documentaries capture the essence of Italian nobles, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and igniting a fascination for this captivating slice of history.
