Watch Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
- Approved
- 1962
- 2 hr 33 min
-
6.5 (2,386)
The movie "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" from 1962, directed by Vincente Minnelli, is a drama-war film based on the novel of the same name by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. The movie follows the story of a wealthy Argentinean family, divided by World War II. The patriarch of the family, Julio Madariaga (Lee J. Cobb), is a rich landowner who lives in Argentina with his French wife, Marcela (Paula Dubois), and their daughter, Chi Chi (Yvette Mimieux). Julio is proud of his heritage and his family's traditions, but his nephew, Madariaga's grandson, Vincente (Glenn Ford), rejects those values and embraces a bohemian lifestyle.
Things become even more complicated when World War II breaks out and Vincente joins the French Resistance, led by his uncle, Marcelo (Charles Boyer). While Vincente fights for his beliefs, Chi Chi falls in love with a Nazi officer, Heinrich von Kleist (Karl Boehm), putting her in direct conflict with her family.
The movie explores the themes of family, love, war, and the struggle between tradition and progress. It shows the devastating effects of war on families, as well as the moral compromises that come with fighting for a cause. The characters must navigate their own beliefs and desires in a world that is rapidly changing, and the consequences of their decisions are often tragic.
One of the most powerful aspects of the movie is the way it highlights the different perspectives of the characters. Vincente is a charismatic and strong-willed young man who is determined to fight for what he believes in, even if it goes against his family's wishes. Chi Chi, on the other hand, is torn between her love for her family and her love for Heinrich. These conflicts give the characters depth and make them more relatable, adding to the emotional impact of the story.
The performances in the movie are excellent, particularly those of Glenn Ford and Charles Boyer. Ford brings a sense of intensity and passion to Vincente, making him a compelling and sympathetic protagonist. Boyer, as Marcelo, is equally impressive, bringing a sense of dignity and gravitas to his role as the leader of the French Resistance.
Ingrid Thulin, playing Vincente's love interest, is also noteworthy for her nuanced and understated performance. She portrays a woman struggling with conflicting loyalties, and her subtle facial expressions add richness to her character.
The movie's production values are impressive, with beautiful locations and sets that transport the audience to Argentina, France, and Germany. The costuming and makeup are also impressive, showing the stark contrast between the elegant French fashions and the militaristic Nazi uniforms.
Overall, "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful movie that explores some of the most challenging issues of the 20th century. It is a well-crafted drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and its themes of family, love, war, and tradition continue to resonate today.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is a 1962 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.