
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
1971, Drama/War, 1h 35m
14 Reviews 1,000+ RatingsYou might also like

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The Garden of the Finzi-Continis Photos
Movie Info
This classic Italian drama, based on the book of the same name by Giorgio Bassani, focuses on the intellectual Finzi-Contini family, Jewish aristocrats who live on an idyllic estate. Siblings Alberto and Micol Finzi-Contini (Helmut Berger, Dominique Sanda) regularly hold parties with their friends, largely sheltered from the growing anti-Semitism in their country. When the Fascist movement becomes stronger, however, it affects everyone in the orbit of the family.
Cast & Crew
Helmut Berger
Alberto
Alberto
Lino Capolicchio
Giorgio
Giorgio
Dominique Sanda
Micòl Finzi Contini
Micòl Finzi Contini
Fabio Testi
Bruno Malnate
Bruno Malnate
Romolo Valli
Giorgio's Father
Giorgio's Father
Camillo Cesarei
Micol's Father
Micol's Father
Critic Reviews for The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
Audience Reviews for The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
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Jan 13, 2010Each country has their WWII legacy, but the Italian auteurs transform their collective experience into cinematic political testaments. In the Finzi-Contini passover scene, Alberto's presentiment about the war is that the 'good' side will win. The irony, reality, and horror is that any faction, be it Fascism, Nazism, Communism, faithfully believes it is fighting for the 'good.' Giorgio's father also says that we all die at least once; it's better to do so when you are young, so you can rebuild, recreate. Powerful messages with profound implications.Stefanie C Super Reviewer
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Nov 26, 2009There's so much going on in this film, from the symbolism of the garden to the relationship between Micol and Giorgio. It definitely deserves more than one viewing and just goes to demonstrate how great Italian cinema is.Wildaly M Super Reviewer
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Mar 01, 2007The garden is IDYLLIC. Giorgio (Capolicchio) is from a middle class Jewish Italian family. He has the pleasure of spending some leisurely time inside the gates of an upper class Jewish family's property. Micol (Sanda) and Alberto (Berger) Finzi Contini, sister and brother, play tennis, ride bikes and talk about politics with their young friends. Bruno (Testi) is also there though he is not Jewish. It is the late 1930's. Giorgio observes as Italian laws in his town begin restricting the rights of Jews. His father (Valli) doesn't think that the Fascists in Italy will let the treatment of the Jews get as bad as the Nazis in Germany have. But Giorgio sees things spiraling out of control, the situation getting ready to fall like the seasonal fall leaves captured in the opening credits. Giorgio and his younger brother may not be able to finish their college education. Meanwhile Alberto gets sick with pneumonia, or is it some other mysterious disease. Micol flirts with and teases Giorgio and Bruno. Giorgio falls in love, but Micol keeps him at a distance. Perhaps it is their class difference or the fact that because the Finzi-Continis have lived such a privileged life they hardly consider themselves Jewish anymore. Maybe Micol's attraction to Bruno is an effort to blend in with the Aryan, non-Jewish, population. Sadly, very few escape history. The movie starts with lots of sunshine and the pristine white preppy clothes of the young adults as well as the spotless condition of the interior of the Finzi-Contini mansion. By the end we see many more drab grays. Yet the movie keeps reminding the audience to look up toward the tree tops and the sun in hope.Byron B Super Reviewer
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