Director: Aldo Lado Starring: Stefania Sandrelli, Teresa Ann Savoy, Mario Adorf, Fernando Rey Genre: Drama / Psychological Thriller Country: Italy
The film rests heavily on the shoulders of its cast, and they deliver nuanced performances that elevate the material above standard melodrama.
The 1981 film La Disubbidienza (also known as Disobedience) is an Italian-French drama directed by Aldo Lado, based on the novel by Alberto Moravia. It currently holds a weighted average of 5.0/10 on IMDb. Film Summary
Set in Northern Italy during the final stages of WWII, the story follows Luca Manzi (Karl Zinny), a 14-year-old boy living under the fascist Republic of Salò. Disillusioned by the war and the hypocrisy of the adult world, Luca falls into a deep malaise and decides to let himself die. His recovery is marked by his relationships with two older women:
Edith (Teresa Ann Savoy), his father's mistress, who first introduces him to sexual awakening.
Angela (Stefania Sandrelli), a nurse who cares for him and eventually becomes his lover, helping him find a reason to live through his "disobedience" to social norms. La disubbidienza (1981) - IMDb
La Disubbidienza: A 1981 Italian Drama Film
La Disubbidienza, released in 1981, is an Italian drama film directed by Elio Petri, a renowned Italian filmmaker known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious movies. The film, which translates to "The Disobedience" in English, explores themes of authority, rebellion, and the complexities of human relationships. With a rich narrative and outstanding performances, La Disubbidienza has become a notable entry in the Italian cinema canon.
Plot
The story takes place in a small Italian town, where a young priest, Don Giovanni (played by Alessandro Fabrizio), begins to question the authority of the local bishop. Don Giovanni's growing disillusionment with the Church's hierarchy and his desire to connect with the community lead him to disobey the bishop's orders. As he becomes more involved with the townspeople, particularly a young woman named Franca (played by Monica Vitti), Don Giovanni finds himself at odds with the Church's traditional values.
The film's narrative is a powerful exploration of the tension between individual conscience and institutional authority. Through Don Giovanni's struggles, Petri critiques the rigid structures of the Catholic Church and the ways in which they can stifle personal growth and genuine human connection.
Themes
La Disubbidienza tackles several themes that were relevant to Italian society in the 1980s, and continue to resonate with audiences today. Some of the key themes include:
IMDb and Legacy
La Disubbidienza has a dedicated following on IMDb, with a rating of 6.8/10 based on 22 user reviews. While the film may not be as widely known as some of Petri's other works, such as "A Hard Life" (1961) or "The Tenth Planet" (1966), it remains a beloved entry in the director's filmography.
The film's legacy extends beyond its IMDb rating, however. La Disubbidienza has been recognized as a significant contribution to Italian cinema, and its themes continue to resonate with audiences today. The film's exploration of individual freedom, authority, and human relationships remains relevant in contemporary society, making it a valuable watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking drama.
Conclusion
La Disubbidienza is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of authority, rebellion, and human relationships. With its rich narrative, outstanding performances, and social commentary, the film has become a notable entry in the Italian cinema canon. If you're interested in watching La Disubbidienza, you can find it on various streaming platforms or purchase a DVD/ Blu-ray copy online.
Rating: 6.8/10 (IMDb)
Release Date: 1981
Director: Elio Petri
Cast: Alessandro Fabrizio, Monica Vitti
Genre: Drama
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
** Runtime:** 105 minutes
Recommendation: If you enjoy Italian cinema, social dramas, or are interested in exploring the works of Elio Petri, La Disubbidienza is definitely worth watching.
Reviewing La Disubbidienza (1981): A Cinematic Exploration of Rebellion and Desire
The 1981 film La Disubbidienza (often titled Disobedience in international markets) stands as a provocative intersection of wartime political disillusionment and the turbulent awakening of adolescence. Directed by Aldo Lado, this Italian-French co-production adapts the nuanced psychological themes of Alberto Moravia’s celebrated novel into a visually rich drama set against the backdrop of a dying regime. Plot Overview: Between Fascism and Partisans
Set in Northern Italy during the final years of World War II, specifically within the Republic of Salò, the story follows 14-year-old Luca Manzi (played by Karl Zinny). Raised in a comfortable but morally hollow bourgeois fascist family, Luca finds himself increasingly alienated from his parents' ideology. La disubbidienza (1981) - Plot - IMDb
Aldo Lado demonstrates a masterful command of atmosphere. Unlike the cold, calculated style of many political dramas, La Disubbidienza feels humid and claustrophobic. The camera lingers on the opulent interiors of the family home, which feels less like a sanctuary and more like a gilded cage.
The cinematography utilizes soft focus and warm, golden tones that contrast sharply with the ugly reality of the characters' relationships. This visual irony—beauty masking decay—is the film's strongest asset. The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, is minimal and haunting, utilizing melancholic piano motifs that underscore the tragedy of a childhood lost to corruption.