The Illusion (l'abbaglio) 2025
Set in 1860 during Garibaldi’s Expedition of the Thousand, the film centers on Colonel Vincenzo Giordano Orsini (played by Toni Servillo) and two fictional Sicilian volunteers — Domenico Tricò (Salvo Ficarra) and Rosario Spitale (Valentino Picone). Context of the story:The Thousand land at Marsala to fight the numerically superior Bourbon forces. Garibaldi employs a daring diversion led by Orsini to trick the enemy into believing the Reds are retreating, allowing an attack on Palermo. Character arcs: Orsini is torn between military strategy and moral doubts, reflecting on the nature of revolution . Domenico and Rosario are depicted as opportunists — a farmer and a trickster — seeking escape rather than glory. Their story introduces humor and an everyman perspective, while ultimately playing a key role in saving townspeople. Educational and thematic depth:The narrative blends historical fact with comedy and moral interrogation—offering fresh perspectives on nation-building, deception, and ideological ambiguity .🎞️ Festival & Distribution Premieres/Selections: International Film Festival Rotterdam – Limelight strand. Cinema Italia – Israel, ICFF (Ireland), Nice Italian Film Festival, Festa do Cinema Italiano. Distributor (Italy): 01 Distribution. World sales: Rai Cinema International Distribution.🎭 Critics IMDb rating: 6.6/10 from 485 votes Critical consensus: Described as a blend of drama and comedy, with strong performances from Servillo, Ficarra & Picone. Praised for its historical authenticity and classical cinematic style, though some critics found it tonally less dynamic than Andò’s previous work La stranezza. Awards: Maurizio Calvesi nominated for Best Cinematography at Globi d’Oro 2025 Michele Braga & Emanuele Bossi nominated for Best Music at Globi d’Oro 2025.📝 Why Watch? Offers a fresh, humanized portrayal of the Risorgimento with humor and dramatic tension. Combines star power (Servillo) with popular comedians (Ficarra & Picone) for nuance and entertainment. Lavish production and authentic Sicilian settings deliver a cinematic visual experience rooted in Italian history.🎯 Conclusion L'abbaglio (2025) is a richly layered historical dramedy that reimagines a pivotal moment in Italian unification through a blend of irony, suspense, and philosophical reflection. Directed by Roberto Andò and starring Toni Servillo alongside beloved comic duo Ficarra & Picone, the film captures the contradictions of revolution — courage and illusion, strategy and confusion — with both gravitas and levity. Beautifully shot in Sicily and anchored by strong performances, L'abbaglio is not just a period piece, but a timeless exploration of the blurry line between myth and reality in the making of history.
- 2025
- 2 h : 11 min
- 537 views
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6.462
- Italiano
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