Saturday, January 15, 2011
Michael Allen
Director: Renzo Martinelli.
Writers: Renzo Martinelli, Giogio Schottler, and Anna Samueli.
Sword of War was originally released in Italy as Barbarossa in 2009. The sixty year old director Renzo Marinelli has produced an Italian Braveheart here, and possibly even Italian propaganda. Soldiers of the Company of Death scream "freedom!" in either Italian or English at different points in the film to confused excitement. This film did poorly in Italian markets, with Sword of War not recouping even half of its $9 million dollar price tag. Now, this historical epic will wade into a competitive North American DVD market February 22nd. Not really a film for Italian markets, as it is in English and not really a film for North American markets, as it covers obscure Italian and German history, Sword of War is for those harbouring a sweet tooth for historical, but bloody dramas.
The events, of this 12th Century set film, are actually historical, or at the very least based on myth. Myth almost always has a nugget of truth and likely the Company of Death slowed the German general Barbarossa's military venture into the boot of Italy. In fact, Barbarossa or Frederick I would wage several military campaigns into norther Italy, before succumbing to old age on a final journey to the crusades. The vicious and mostly successful rebellion led by Alberto da Giussano surely hastened Barbarossa's eventual death.
This film not only breaks down as an Italian Braveheart, but as a Greek 300, as 900 Italian soldiers would against a formidable and numerically superior German army. The Battle of Legano would leave Barbarossa crippled and the events in Sword of War adhere closely to the actual events of Frederick's fifth bloody Italian campaign. Battles are gratuitous, rulers are ruthless and the political intrigue is what will hold the audience. Yet, there are missteps, too.
There seems to be some dubbing in the screener sent to this reviewer. Either there is dubbing, or the audio synchronicity is out of wack with the picture. Some of the actors could be speaking in Italian, only to be overlayed with English later on. This slight error appears and disappears in scenes, while other film elements shine more strongly.
The cinematography of this film is exceptional. Shots of the Alps are especially well done, while battles are shown through various long lens shots of wide open plains. As well, the costumes are appropriate to the 12th Century and each of the sets are well dressed.
However, another flaw might be in identifying with the characters. North American audiences are unlikely to know of these events 900 years past and even more might not be enticed by a historical drama set in Italy. Sword of War is truly for those who appreciate a warrior epic, while others might scratch their heads at the constant ring of Italian patriotism.
As mentioned earlier, Lightning Entertainment will distribute this title on to DVD February 22nd and Sword of War stars a few well known actors including Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner), and F. Murray Abraham (Scarface). This film is for those interested in period pieces, while Sword of War will also appeal to action fans (with patience). Set for a release soon, movie lovers might want to dust off their sword and sandals for this unconventional, but accurate look at Italian history.
Overall: 7 out of 10.
More details on this picture are provided by Lightning Entertainment:
Sword of War at Lightning Entertainment w/Synopsis
For purchase shortly:
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Posted in: 2011,anna samueli,giogio schottler,historical epic movie review,movie review,renzo martinelli,rutger hauer,sword and sandals,sword of war
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