Watch Blood Red

Blood Red is a 1989 film directed by Peter Masterson and starring Eric Roberts, Giancarlo Giannini, and Dennis Hopper. The movie is set in the late 1800s in California's Napa Valley, amid the strife and violence of opposing landowners and their families. It follows the story of the Collogero family, who run a successful vineyard and winery, and their feud with the neighboring landowner the Benedetti family, headed by the ruthless William Benedetti (Dennis Hopper).

Eric Roberts plays the role of the eldest son of the Collogero family, named Marco. He is willingly embroiled in the violent conflicts between the two families and tries to maintain his family's honor. He is also in love with a beautiful and headstrong woman named Maria, played by Julia Roberts. Giancarlo Giannini portrays Ernesto, Marco's younger brother, who is torn between his family's violent lifestyle and his desire for a peaceful life filled with art and culture. Ernesto falls in love with Gabriella (Dominique Sanda), the daughter of a local vineyard owner who is caught between the two feuding families.

The film starts with tension already high between the two families as William Benedetti tries to force the Collogero family to sell their vineyard. Marco's father rejects the proposal, leading to a series of violent events that escalate the feud even further. The story portrays the Collogero family's struggles to maintain control over their vineyard while also managing to hold onto their lives.

Despite the film's setting in 19th-century California, it remains relevant today as it tackles themes of pride, honor, and family values. Blood Red is an example of a genre known as the "spaghetti western," which evolved from the traditional westerns made in Hollywood. It employs a Shakespearean approach to family drama and vendettas, much like the works of Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola.

Blood Red's most notable aspect is its fantastic star cast that delivers shocking performances. The actors sit on top of the storyline, making the film a revenge tale, but it is also about the vineyards in California that stand at the center of the story. The film features beautiful cinematography and captures the beauty of the Napa Valley.

The music score by Carmine Coppola is another highlight of the film, with themes common to a typical western movie blended with Italian folk music. The score is catchy and effectively elevates the on-screen drama in critical moments.

Truly, Blood Red is not a film for everyone. The violence and brutality showcased in the movie may be too much for some viewers. The film does not shy away from depicting violence as a gruesome act, and it can be hard to digest. However, for those who enjoy a classic Western drama, it is a satisfying film that delivers a compelling and searing story.

In conclusion, Blood Red is an impressive film that provides an immersive experience that captures audience interest in a drama set in the late 19th century. It is a tragic tale of love, ambition, and family values with a well-selected cast that gives gripping performances. Spot-on cinematography and a haunting score make this film charming and gritty. Overall, Blood Red is a must-watch for fans of western dramas and not suitable for children.

Blood Red is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.