La forza del destino (1950)
Film version of the Verdi opera about lovers on the run after the accidental death of the girl's father.
Watch Trailer
Free Trial Channels
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
Overrated
Disturbing yet enthralling
It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
La Forza Del Destino is not my favourite Verdi, the drama is rather sprawling at times but I cannot deny the magnificence that is the music. And while not my favourite Forza, the 1958 and 1978 performances were superior, this is a film worth watching. The lip-synching however is off in places, so much so it is comical, and while it is well made with good sets and costumes I found the 1949 film of Il Trovatore a little more adeptly made(though the drama in this film is much more convincing I found). The orchestral playing, conducting and chorus are superb. Gino Sinimberghi is a handsome and darkly intense Alvaro, with Alvaro's vocals not large in size but well-phrased and nice on the ear. Nelly Corradi is a moving Leonora with Caterina Mancini's soprano expressive enough. There is also a sympathetic Padre Guardinio(couresy of the rich voice of Giulio Neri) and a sexy Preziosilla, but the performer who dominates is Tito Gobbi. His voice, which I have never really considered the most powerful or beautiful I've heard, has nonetheless been growing on me with some striking tone colour, and his intelligence, intensity, acting skills and musicianship as ever are just impeccable. All in all, a very well done film even with the lip-synching. 8/10 Bethany Cox