The Borgia (2006)
A sweeping Spanish historical drama that plunges into the blood, ambition, and scandal of the Renaissance's most feared dynasty.
The Borgia - Movie Information
- Original Title: Los Borgia
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Antonio Hernández
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: Italian, Latin, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 6, 2006 (Spain), October 6, 2006 (United States), January 1, 2009 (Germany), March 31, 2010 (France - TP)
- Alternative Titles: Ο Ηγέτης (GR)
- Production Companies: Aragón TV
- Production Countries: Spain
The Borgia - Plot
A portrait of the bloody dynasty that spawned a pope, Alexander VI, as well as the role model for Machiavelli's "The Prince," his son Cesare Borgia, and a legend of femme duplicity, daughter Lucrezia Borgia.
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The Borgia - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Antonio Hernández
Main Cast
- Lluís Homar
- Sergio Peris-Mencheta
- María Valverde
- Paz Vega
- Ángela Molina
- Katy Louise Saunders
- Linda Batista
- Francesca Della Ragione
- Eusebio Poncela
- Eloy Azorín
Writers
- Piero Bodrato
- Antonio Hernández
The Borgia - FAQs
Is The Borgia based on a true story?
Yes, The Borgia is rooted in real history. The Borgia family were a powerful Italian-Spanish dynasty of the Renaissance era. Rodrigo Borgia became Pope Alexander VI, his son Cesare inspired Machiavelli's The Prince, and daughter Lucrezia became one of history's most controversial and fascinating figures.
Who plays Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia in the film?
Sergio Peris-Mencheta brings the ruthless and charismatic Cesare Borgia to life, while the then-rising star María Valverde portrays the enigmatic Lucrezia Borgia. Both deliver compelling performances that anchor the film's exploration of power, ambition, and family loyalty within this notorious Renaissance dynasty.
What is The Borgia about?
The Borgia paints a vivid portrait of one of the Renaissance's most notorious families. It follows Rodrigo Borgia's rise to the papacy as Alexander VI, his son Cesare's ruthless political ambitions — the real-world inspiration for Machiavelli's The Prince — and daughter Lucrezia's legendary story of manipulation and survival.
Who are the main actors in The Borgia?
The film features a strong ensemble cast led by Lluís Homar as Rodrigo Borgia, Sergio Peris-Mencheta as Cesare, and María Valverde as Lucrezia. Paz Vega plays Caterina Sforza, Ángela Molina portrays Vanozza, and Eusebio Poncela appears as Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere.
What is the connection between Cesare Borgia and Machiavelli?
Niccolò Machiavelli is widely believed to have modeled the ideal ruler in his seminal work The Prince on Cesare Borgia. Cesare's calculated use of power, cunning diplomacy, and willingness to use violence to achieve political ends made him the embodiment of Machiavellian statecraft long before the term was coined.
When was The Borgia released?
The Borgia had its theatrical release on October 6, 2006, in both Spain and the United States. It later reached German audiences on January 1, 2009, and French viewers on March 31, 2010.
Who directed The Borgia and who wrote the screenplay?
Spanish filmmaker Antonio Hernández directed The Borgia and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Piero Bodrato. Hernández brings a cinematic sweep to the material, crafting a visually rich and dramatically intense portrait of Renaissance Italy's most feared and fascinating family.
What are some similar films to The Borgia?
If you enjoyed The Borgia, you might also like Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Pasolini (2014), Leopardi (2014), Munich – The Edge of War (2021), and Corsage (2022). These films share a passion for historical figures, political intrigue, and richly detailed period storytelling.
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