Watch Before the Revolution

Before the Revolution is a 1964 Italian film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. Set in Parma, Italy, the film tells the story of Fabrizio, a young man torn between his Marxist beliefs and his bourgeois upbringing. Fabrizio, played by Francesco Barilli, is a wealthy and privileged young man studying literature at university. However, his political beliefs are in conflict with his affluent lifestyle, and he is struggling to find his place in the world. He is in love with his beautiful cousin Gina (Adriana Asti), but their relationship is complicated by the fact that she is already engaged to another man.

As Fabrizio becomes more involved in leftist political activism, he starts to distance himself from his family and their conservative values. He becomes drawn to a group of revolutionary students, who he sees as his true peers. However, his passion for the cause is put to the test when he discovers that his cousin has been having an affair with one of his new comrades, an American student named Agostino (Allen Midgette).

As the relationship between Fabrizio and Gina becomes strained, he turns to other women to try and fill the void. He has an affair with a young prostitute, but ultimately finds that he is not able to escape his feelings for Gina. Meanwhile, his involvement with the revolutionary group becomes increasingly dangerous, and he is forced to leave the country to avoid arrest.

Before the Revolution is a poignant exploration of youth, politics, and romantic love. The film is shot in black and white, which enhances the sense of nostalgia and longing that runs throughout the story. The cinematography is beautiful and understated, capturing the mood and emotion of each scene perfectly.

The performances in the film are exceptional. Francesco Barilli is excellent as Fabrizio, capturing the character's conflicted emotions and idealism with subtlety and nuance. Adriana Asti is equally impressive as Gina, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and depth that makes her more than just a love interest. Allen Midgette is also impressive as Agostino, conveying the character's passion and charisma with ease.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its depiction of political activism. Before the Revolution was made during a time of great political upheaval in Italy, and the film reflects the revolutionary fervor of the period. However, it also shows the dangers and pitfalls of political action, and the toll it can take on young people who are swept up in the excitement of the moment.

Overall, Before the Revolution is a timeless and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, politics, and identity. It is a must-watch for fans of Italian cinema, and anyone interested in the history of political activism in Europe.

Before the Revolution is a 1965 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.