Allonsanfan (1974)
The Taviani Brothers' haunting portrait of a revolutionary who has lost his faith, starring Marcello Mastroianni in one of his most morally complex roles.
Allonsanfan - Movie Information
- Original Title: Allonsanfàn
- Release Year: 1974
- Directed by: Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 6, 1974 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Der Verräter (DE), Вперёд, сыны отечества! (SU)
- Production Companies: Una Cooperativa Cinematografica
- Production Countries: Italy
Allonsanfan - Plot
After the 1815 Restoration, an aging revolutionary finds himself reluctantly involved in an attempted insurrection in Southern Italy while growing increasingly disillusioned with his cause.
Allonsanfan - Trailer
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Allonsanfan - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paolo Taviani
- Vittorio Taviani
Main Cast
- Marcello Mastroianni
- Lea Massari
- Mimsy Farmer
- Laura Betti
- Claudio Cassinelli
- Benjamin Lev
- Renato De Carmine
- Stanko Molnar
- Luisa De Santis
- Biagio Pelligra
Writers
- Paolo Taviani
- Vittorio Taviani
Producers
- Giuliani G. De Negri
Allonsanfan - FAQs
What is Allonsanfan about?
Allonsanfan follows Fulvio Imbriani, a weary aristocrat-turned-revolutionary in post-Napoleonic Italy who, after the 1815 Restoration, is dragged back into a doomed insurrection he no longer believes in. The film is a sharp, melancholy portrait of idealism curdling into self-interest, cowardice, and betrayal.
Is Allonsanfan based on real historical events?
The film is rooted in the turbulent period following Napoleon's defeat and the conservative Restoration of 1815. While Fulvio and his fellow conspirators are fictional, their struggle echoes the real activities of secret revolutionary societies like the Carbonari, who fought against foreign occupation and reactionary rule in early 19th-century Italy.
Where can you stream Allonsanfan?
You can watch Allonsanfan on OVID with a subscription, or stream it for free on Hoopla. If you prefer to own or rent it, Fandango At Home has you covered. It's a rare gem that's surprisingly accessible for a 1974 Italian art film.
What does the title Allonsanfan actually mean?
Allonsanfàn is the name of a character in the film, but it also echoes the opening words of "La Marseillaise" — "Allons, enfants de la patrie" ("Come, children of the fatherland"). It's a pointed irony: a revolutionary anthem attached to a story about the death of revolutionary faith.
Who are the main actors in Allonsanfan?
Marcello Mastroianni leads the cast as the conflicted Fulvio Imbriani, delivering one of his most nuanced and morally complex performances. He's joined by Lea Massari, Mimsy Farmer, Laura Betti, and Claudio Cassinelli, all bringing vivid life to the film's band of fading idealists.
Who composed the music for Allonsanfan?
The score was composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, and it's among his most distinctive work. Rather than a conventional dramatic soundtrack, Morricone crafted something deliberately dissonant and unsettling — music that mirrors the film's themes of misplaced idealism and inevitable collapse.
Is Allonsanfan worth watching for modern audiences?
Absolutely. The Taviani Brothers crafted a film that feels as relevant as ever — a probing look at how political conviction can mask personal cowardice. With Mastroianni at his finest, Morricone's haunting score, and gorgeous cinematography by Giuseppe Ruzzolini, it's essential viewing for fans of European art cinema.
What themes does Allonsanfan explore?
At its core, the film dissects the gap between revolutionary rhetoric and self-serving reality. It explores betrayal, egoism, loss of faith, and the way idealism can become a mask for individualism. The Tavianis treat their anti-hero with unflinching honesty, making Allonsanfan a deeply political yet deeply personal film.
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