Watch Besieged

Besieged is a romantic drama film directed by the Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci. Released in 1998, it stars two of the most acclaimed British actors of their generation: Thandiwe Newton, who had previously become famous for her role in the classic film Interview with the Vampire, and David Thewlis, who had gained international recognition for his performance in Mike Leigh's Naked. The movie also features Claudio Santamaria, a rising Italian actor, in a supporting role.

The story of Besieged follows the lives of two very different people whose paths cross in a most unusual way. Shandurai (Newton) is a young African woman whose husband has been arrested for political reasons in their home country. She has fled to Rome, Italy, to start a new life and to study medicine. She has rented a room from an eccentric and wealthy English pianist and composer called Kinsky (Thewlis). Kinsky is a loner, obsessed with his music and his antique furniture collection. He is a man of few words, but his quiet and reserved personality hides a deep emotionality that is sometimes unleashed when he is playing the piano.

As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that Kinsky is infatuated with Shandurai, who is unaware of his feelings for her. He expresses his love for her in subtle and indirect ways, such as composing a piano sonata dedicated to her, or making her dinner with exotic ingredients that he has ordered from all over the world. Shandurai is initially oblivious to his advances, as she is still mourning the separation from her husband and trying to make sense of her new life in a foreign country. However, as she begins to learn more about Kinsky's past and his reasons for being in Rome, she starts to notice him in a new light.

Besieged is a movie that explores the theme of love against all odds. It is a story about two people who come from different worlds, who speak different languages, and who have different pasts, but who are united by a common bond of music and a deep sense of longing for something they cannot have. The movie is set in the beautiful city of Rome, and the cinematography is stunning, capturing the city's architecture, history, and charm. The music score, composed by the famous Argentine musician Osvaldo Golijov, is haunting and evocative, adding another layer of emotionality to the movie.

What makes Besieged a special movie is the incredible chemistry between Thandiwe Newton and David Thewlis. Both actors give amazing performances, conveying a deep sense of vulnerability, passion, and yearning. Newton, in particular, shines in her role as Shandurai, bringing to life a character that is both fragile and strong, determined and conflicted. Thewlis, for his part, is remarkable in his portrayal of Kinsky, a character that is both enigmatic and intense, eccentric and charming.

Besieged is a movie that will appeal to audiences who appreciate art-house cinema and films that explore complex themes of love, identity, and culture. It is definitely not a movie for everyone, as it moves at a slow pace and requires patience and attention to detail. However, for those who are willing to immerse themselves in its world, it is a rewarding and unforgettable cinematic experience. Besieged is a movie that will stay with you long after you have watched it, haunting your thoughts and inspiring your imagination.

Besieged is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.