Stars: Stefano Dionisi, Enrico Lo Verso, Jeroen Krabbe, Elsa Zylberstein

Director: Gerard Corbiau

Summary: A period drama based on the lives of two brothers, castrato singer Farinelli and composer Riccardo. Their bond of friendship is threatened by the composer Handel and Farinelli's new love, Alexandra. French dialogue with subtitles.

Director Gerard Corbiau explores the frustrations, painful insecurities and triumphs of Carlo Broschi the legendary 18th century castrato singer. Who at age seven had surgery to become a castrato to preserve his sweet voice. He went on to become one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 18th century, taking on the name Farinelli. As his fame grows, tension builds with his less talented brother Riccardo, and seeks self-imposed exile with Alexandra, a girl who steals a work by Handel (Jerome Krabbe) to show her love for Farinelli. A lush, award-winning film of lavish Baroque opera houses, obsessions and rivalries.

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This interesting Belgian film from 1994 has a surface subject that might make a few guys wince: an 18th-century castrato, or castrated male opera singer. A superstar in Europe, Farinelli the vocalist--despite compromised equipment--gets his share of groupies and is showered with attention and gifts from rich patrons. Meanwhile, his brother--a so-so composer whose career and fortunes are inextricably linked to his sibling, as per their father's wishes--feels like a sham for enjoying the fruits of another's success. For director Gérard Corbiau, the real story is that of the forced bond between the two men, and their unspoken awareness that their separate destinies have been slowed by the arrangement. Corbiau gives us the best of two worlds: a costume drama with an unusual, even exotic, story line, and a tender, universal tale of real love. The opera sequences are a kick: the breathless crowds, Farinelli's hammy control over the drama, and his stunning castrato voice (manufactured by Corbiau via synthesized merger of male and female voices) and all make for great fun. --Tom Keogh

Aspect Ratio:	Full Screen
Main Language:	French
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Original Theatrical Trailer, Scene Access, Interactive Menus
Subtitles:	English
Year:	1994
Release Date:	April 26, 2004
Runtime:	106 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	P 8862 W C D V D
Keywords:	Subtitled, General, French, Drama, Period, Il, Farinelli, Castrato
Genre:	Drama