Watch Il Marchese del Grillo

Il Marchese del Grillo is a classic Italian comedy film released in 1981, directed by Mario Monicelli, and starring the legendary Italian actor Alberto Sordi in the role of the protagonist, the Marquis Onofrio del Grillo. The film is set in the late 18th century and is based on the life of a real nobleman who lived in Rome during that time.

The story revolves around the life of the Marquis del Grillo, a witty and extravagant nobleman who is fond of adventure, mischief, and practical jokes. The Marquis is a local hero in Rome, with a reputation for his wit and charm, but also for his rebellious spirit and his wild and unpredictable behavior. He is the richest man in Rome but also a controversial figure, admired by some and hated by others.

The film opens in the year 1795, with the Marquis del Grillo riding his carriage through the streets of Rome, engaging in a game of cat and mouse with the papal police, whom he loves to taunt and mock. However, his carefree and hedonistic lifestyle is about to be threatened by an unexpected turn of events.

The Marquis has a confrontation with the new Pope, Pius VI, who is determined to put an end to the nobility’s excesses and revitalize the city. The Pope specifically targets the Marquis, who he sees as the epitome of everything that is wrong with the aristocracy. The Marquis is forced to face the consequences of his actions and to re-evaluate his attitude towards life and society.

The Marquis del Grillo’s story is a satirical exploration of the contradictions and complexities of the aristocratic world of the late 18th century, and how it eventually gave way to the new order of the 19th century. The film also highlights the historical and cultural differences between aristocratic Rome and the rest of Italy, particularly in the context of the rise of the bourgeoisie.

Alberto Sordi gives an outstanding performance as the Marquis del Grillo, effortlessly conveying the character’s wit, charm, and vulnerability. His performance captures the essence of the character’s complex personality, who is both a rogue and a romantic, a cynic and a dreamer.

The film’s supporting cast includes several well-known Italian actors, including Paolo Stoppa, Caroline Berg, and Andrea Aureli, who all deliver strong, memorable performances.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its production design, which recreates the look and feel of late 18th-century Rome in exquisite detail. The sets, costumes, and location shooting all give the film a sense of authenticity and immediacy that draws the viewer into the story's world.

Overall, Il Marchese del Grillo is a timeless classic of Italian cinema that showcases the talents of some of Italy’s most prominent filmmakers and actors. The film’s blend of satire, romance, and historical drama makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Italian cinema or European history.