Watch Beatrice Cenci

Based on the infamous true story of Beatrice Cenci, the 1969 movie follows the life and tragic fate of a young Italian noblewoman who was accused of killing her father, Francesco Cenci, in the late 16th century. Directed by Lucio Fulci, the film offers a vivid and unsettling portrayal of Renaissance Italy, with its decadent aristocracy, corrupt clergy, and brutal justice system.

Tomas Milian stars as Guido, a young painter who becomes enamored with Beatrice (Adrienne Larussa) when he is hired to paint her portrait. Despite their class differences and the fact that she is already engaged, Guido and Beatrice embark on a passionate affair that soon leads to their downfall.

The plot centers around the abuse that Beatrice suffers at the hands of her father, who is portrayed as a sadistic and tyrannical figure. Francesco Cenci is a wealthy and influential man who uses his power to commit atrocious crimes without fear of punishment. He rapes, beats, and humiliates his daughter and his second wife, Lucrezia (Daniela Surina), who is also Guido's mother.

Beatrice's desperation and desire for revenge are the driving forces of the narrative. She tries to seek justice through legal channels, but her pleas fall on deaf ears. Her father's wealth and connections protect him from any repercussions, and the corrupt officials are more interested in extorting money than in administering justice.

In a moment of desperation, Beatrice and her stepmother, Lucrezia, hatch a plot to kill Francesco. The murder is a brutal and bloody affair, which is not shown in graphic detail but is still quite disturbing. The rest of the film deals with the aftermath of the crime and the trial that follows.

Georges Wilson plays Cardinal Montalto, the highest-ranking member of the Catholic Church in Rome, who is charged with investigating the murder. Montalto is a complex and ambiguous character, torn between his loyalty to the church and his sense of moral outrage at the injustice that has been done to Beatrice.

The trial is a farce, with the judges and lawyers more interested in covering their own tracks than in finding the truth. Beatrice and her accomplices are subjected to brutal torture, and their confessions are extracted through force and intimidation. The film does not shy away from depicting the gruesome and inhumane methods of torture that were used in the 16th century.

The movie's cinematography is striking, with beautiful shots of the Italian countryside and artfully composed scenes that create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. The performances of the cast are also noteworthy, with Larussa and Milian delivering powerful and nuanced portrayals of two star-crossed lovers caught in a web of corruption and cruelty.

Overall, Beatrice Cenci is a dark and somber historical drama that explores themes of power, abuse, and revenge. It is a gripping and emotional film that is not for the faint of heart, as it depicts graphic scenes of violence and torture. However, it is also a moving and thought-provoking work that raises important questions about justice, morality, and the human condition.