Watch Garibaldi

Garibaldi, a 1961 Italian film, directed by Roberto Rossellini, is a biographical drama based on the life of Italian revolutionary and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi, who played a crucial role in the unification of Italy. The film stars Renzo Ricci in the lead role of Garibaldi, with Paolo Stoppa and Franco Interlenghi in the supporting roles.

The film chronicles the life of the titular character from his early days as a sailor to his retirement in Caprera, Sardinia. It depicts his passion for social justice and his unflinching commitment to the ideals of the Italian Revolution, which led him to fight against the Austrians, the French, and the Bourbon regimes.

The film opens with Garibaldi returning from exile in South America, where he led a successful revolution against the Brazilian Empire. The film cuts back and forth between his return to Italy in 1848 and his earlier life, chronicling his love for Anita, his wife, and his role in the Mille expedition.

As we follow the journey of Garibaldi, we witness his deep-rooted belief in the unification of Italy, which he felt was not possible without a complete revolution. He is shown as a man of his word who would do anything to achieve his goals, including accepting the help of British officers and sailing their warship to capture the castle in Palermo.

One of the critical moments in the film comes when Garibaldi is forced to flee Rome after the French army's intervention. The film portrays his pain at leaving Rome, which had become the center of the Italian Nationalist movement, and his subsequent decision to embark on a dangerous voyage from the shores of Salerno with a thousand volunteers called the Red Shirts. The journey would take him to Sicily, where he would fight against one of the most significant military forces in the world at the time, Austria, and eventually win.

Throughout the film, we see Garibaldi's character as a man who is passionate, resolute, and motivated by a sense of duty towards his people. He gives a tough time to his adversaries by embodying the spirit of Italy and inspiring its people to fight for their freedom. But his role as a hero is not portrayed to be a walk in the park; he also has to deal with personal hardships, including the loss of his loved ones.

Ricci portrays Garibaldi with conviction, imbuing the character with a sense of the gravitas that underpins the role. He is aided well by Stoppa and Interlenghi, who portray key allies and followers of Garibaldi.

The film's stunning cinematography by Carlo Carlini and Aldo Tonti masterfully captures the beauty of the Italian landscape, from the picturesque island of Caprera to the rugged mountains of Sicily. The score composed by Renzo Rossellini beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the age, underscoring the film's drama.

In conclusion, Garibaldi is an engaging historical drama about one of Italy's greatest heroes, which highlights the role of Giuseppe Garibaldi in the unification of Italy. Directed with great skill and artistry, the movie provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most important figures in Italian history. It is a must-watch for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in seeing the story of a man who became emblematic of the values of an entire nation.