A Pure Formality

Cast

Gérard Depardieu
as Onoff

Roman Polanski
as Inspector

Sergio Rubini
as Young Policeman

Paolo Lombardi
as Warrant Officer

Tano Cimarosa
as Janitor

Maria Rosa Spagnolo
as Paola

Sebastiano Filocamo

Massimo Vanni

Nicola Di Pinto
as Captain

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Critic Reviews for A Pure Formality

Audience Reviews for A Pure Formality

• May 04, 2011

  Many say that the movie is underrated, but if it's so, it's reasonable. Most of the public in general won't be able to figure out wtf the whole movie was about (sometimes, even spoon-feeding becomes inevitable.....and that goes for me too). The movie also leaves you with many questions unanswered, which also, IMO, is not welcomed by general viewer. As for me, I was impressed with the way the movie moved forward, but as soon as I began to get signs of symbolism, I was kinda put off. After that point, I watched the rest of the movie for a pure formality. Besides, the ending of the movie isn't epic either (based on the assumption that I got it right). So there would be an elite group reserved for this 'different' kind of cinema that would be able to appreciate it, but I can't say how many of the rest would.
  familiar s Super Reviewer
• Nov 24, 2009

  Well directed & acted & fun to watch but nothing more, The twist doesn't work well & it spoils the film's intensity & seriousness & makes the whole thing a bit ridiculous
  Arash X Super Reviewer
• Jun 07, 2008

  Outstanding. This film is among Tornatore's best. The music by Morricone is spectacular and the direction is top-notch. This film INSPIRED two of the most popular PG-13 modern horror/thriller films, but I can't mention them, or I would be spoiling this gem entirely. Essential viewing. 80/100
  Edgar C Super Reviewer

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