Fiorile (1993)

Fiorile Poster

The Benedetti family's wealth comes from gold stolen from the French army during the 18th century. When Jean (Michael Vartan), the lieutenant guarding the coins -- and lover of Elisabette Benedetti (Galatea Ranzi) -- is executed for a crime he did not commit, Elisabette curses the family. Bad luck travels from generation to generation. As the latest Benedettis tell their children about their eccentric grandfather, the children worry that the family curse will be passed on.

Introduction
"Fiorile" is an Italian film released in 1993. Developed by the Taviani Brothers, Paolo and Vittorio, "Fiorile" is an extensive expedition of the past and how events of generations ago can continue to influence today. The story follows several generations of a cursed household afflicted by tragedy and loss, and the narration swoops in between previous and present, including a lethal mix of passions, love, and betrayals.

Plot Summary
The film begins in the contemporary age where a couple, along with their 2 children, are driving through Tuscany to visit their grandparents. Throughout the journey, they prepare to inform their children about an ancestral curse that has actually impacted their family for generations. The story switches between the ancestors' narrative in the past and the kids' responses in the present, developing an intriguing portrayal of familial stories and folklore.

The story takes the audience back to the time of the French Revolution when the Benedetti household, rich landowners, betrayed a French soldier called Jean, who was also in love with among the Benedetti children called Elisabetta, likewise known by her label 'Fiorile.' The Benedettis, fearing the loss of their wealth and wishing to maintain their powerful position, idea off the French authorities about Jean's location, resulting in his arrest and execution. From his dying breath, Jean curses the Benedettis, who start dealing with the repercussions of their treachery.

Continuation of the Curse
Menstruation continues to affect the Benedetti household, with each generation struggling with monetary losses, marital relationship failures, psychological instabilities, and unfortunate deaths. These occurrences are depicted through different time-lapse sequences in the movie, revolving around several members of the Benedetti lineage. It's all compellingly portrayed through the brothers' competent instructions and cinematic point of views.

Modern-Day Consequences
In the present day, the grown-ups in the vehicle expose that the family has changed their surname to 'Bonnaffé' to conceal from the curse. The narration returns to the kids' perspective again, who are a symbol of hope. They hold an innocent belief that they can break menstruation. Eventually, they reach their grandparents' place, who come from the wealthy Benedetti family tree. The audiences are entrusted an open-ended scenario as to whether the kids can certainly get rid of the extensive, dark past of their bloodline.

Conclusion
"Fiorile" is a captivating narrative that preserves suspense across centuries. It represents how ancestral actions and choices affect future generations and questions whether one can ever really get away from these previous misdeeds. The film adeptly transits from the past to today while keeping viewers engrossed in the unfolding family saga. Although it is deeply rooted in historical events, it remains relevant to modern-day viewers due to its style of household curses and the inescapability of our roots. Apart from its rich story, the movie likewise shines in regards to cinematography, using picturesque views of Tuscany's landscapes, and delivering a visually pleasing experience.

Top Cast

  • Claudio Bigagli (small)
    Claudio Bigagli
    Corrado / Alessandro
  • Galatea Ranzi (small)
    Galatea Ranzi
    Elisabette / Elisa
  • Michael Vartan (small)
    Michael Vartan
    Jean / Massimo
  • Lino Capolicchio (small)
    Lino Capolicchio
    Luigi
  • Constanze Engelbrecht (small)
    Constanze Engelbrecht
    Juliette
  • Athina Cenci (small)
    Athina Cenci
    Gina
  • Giovanni Guidelli (small)
    Giovanni Guidelli
    Elio
  • Norma Martelli
    Livia
  • Pier Paolo Capponi (small)
    Pier Paolo Capponi
    Duilio
  • Carlo Luca De Ruggieri (small)
    Carlo Luca De Ruggieri
    Renzo
  • Fritz Müller-Scherz (small)
    Fritz Müller-Scherz
    University Professor