In CHRIST STOPPED AT EBOLI, director Francesco Rosi?s stunning adaptation of Carlo Levi?s novel, Gian Maria Volonte (FISTFUL OF DOLLARS; FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE) stars as Levi, one of many intellectuals exiled by the Fascis... more »t government during World War II. Banished to Gagliano, an ancient mountain village in southern Italy, Volonte discovers the stark beauty of the landscape as well as the resilience of the peasants, who have lived there for generations. The legendary Irene Papas (ERENDIRA; Z; CAPTAIN CORELLI?S MANDOLIN) costars as the earthy Giulia, a housekeeper who teaches the sophisticated writer about the dignity of people who live close to the land. Francesco Rosi (THREE BROTHERS; SALVATORE GIULIANO) offers an authentic but moving story against a historical backdrop, stunningly photographed in rich detail.« less
"This is a beautiful and very moving film,but almost spolit by a very poor transfer...The picture and sound qualiy are very poor. I have noticed this by dvd's released by Facets Video,Cammina Cammina being one example.But please do not be put off this film for this reason,the film itself is beautiful and very moving,highly recommended.If possible try to track down the Italian release of this film.The quality is much better. The full uncut version of this film has now been released in the UK."
Full version
Gerald A. Deluca | 11/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A 3 hour and 24 minute version of this magnificent film used to be available on a PAL two-cassette video set from Artificial Eye in Britain. That now appears to be out of print. It was the 4-part TV series version, with beginning and end credits for each of the episodes. A 35mm print of that 3 1/2 hour version (minus repeated credits) played in a few selected theatres in the U.S., beginning in 1982 or two years after the U.S. release of a 120 minute version in 1980."
Great movie but massively edited for DVD
italiano | 09/03/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I first watched this powerful movie on two VHS cassettes five years ago. Since then, it's come out on DVD. Unfortunately, there were, in my view, many significant editing cuts to get the film on one disc that really take away from some of the subtle scenes that make the movie great. The DVD is still good, but loses some steam from the original version...It would be nice to see movies this special reproduced in their entirety."
Very Beautiful film
Mitsunobu Sugiyama | Tokyo, Japan | 07/20/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The film takes us to southern district of Italy in 1930s. Land scape is very beautiful but the hero is obliged to be there as an exile person. S beautiful landscape is in strong contrast to his innner world. Among the pious pesants a lot of old superstitions are alive. The film gives us a strong impression!"
Film Aficionado
James Sanborn | Long Beach, CA USA | 12/08/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This film shows promise, but the transfer is so abysmal that it completely ruins the viewing experience. The sound is especially bad and annoying. Also, the film doesn't have the "feel" of being a complete creative entity. I have read that it was originally released in an extended version, which I would very much like to see."