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Ok, ok...it is a given that the woman is a courtesan and must use her body to support herself and her family. However, in this time period, only the courtesans are allowed access to the libraries, where ordinary women are not. Veronica Franco has a quick and clever wit, and captivates her clientele not only with her body, but her formidable mind as well. Not only does she write her own poetry, but her work is published by a wealthy patron. (This is a historical fact as evidenced by a quick trip to your local library where you can check out her book and read it for yourself.) And this is what eventually gets her into trouble ~ she is a brilliant woman and trades jest and jibes with men of power. A would-be suitor is rejected and he falls back on religion, opening the door for the Inquisition to try Veronica Franco for her crimes: being a courtesan and being a mentally facile woman who is guilty only of being true to herself...fabulous! A wonderful moment of historical hope for women in a lavish period piece!Read full review
I love this movie. The lead female character has few choices for her life in pre-Inquisition Venice, and the one she is pushed into offers her the most "fulfillment." (I put that in quotes because there are many definitions to a life fulfilled.) Her character is given the powerful gift of prose and poetry, and throughout the movie she uses words that deftly describe her situation. Two examples, in paraphrase: "I am not yours to control", when talking to her lover who chooses to do (marry another) as his family expects, yet wants her to be there for him. Her confession at the end, where she confesses all her immoral choices so she may be more "fulfilled" as a woman. I also find the historical and present-day parallels interesting, if there is historical truth to women's roles in the movie. (I have not researched this.) The interaction between the main characters and the dialogue is, I thought, brilliant, and really got me thinking about the compromises we make everyday in our choices. After this movie, I found myself really basking in its' use of words and the forthright manner of situational description.Read full review
It is a beautiful love story set in Venice, Italy. The passion between Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell (two main actors) is overwhelmingly real. Story set during the time of the Inquisition and people are accused of witchcraft clearly shows the struggles of people during the Renaissance. Costumes and settings are beautiful. One of my favorite movies. And if you have never seen Catherine McCormack on screen, you will be amazed at her beauty and acting skills.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I just saw this movie for the first time a few days ago...one of those 2am movies on cable when you can't sleep...I became completely engrossed. I am not a critic, but the acting was top notch. I cannot believe I had not even heard about this movie before; it certainly is a classic! This movie should definitely have been advertised better during its original release! For my husband and myself we both enjoyed the action and the sensuality this movie portrayed, along with the historical basis. Wonderful...would recommend it absolutely!
This is one of my favorite films of all time. It presents the historical fact that women who wanted to be artists in the early Renaissance in Italy had to be “kept” by wealthy men.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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