Watch The Rose Tattoo

The Rose Tattoo is a romantic drama film from 1955 starring the Italian actress Anna Magnani, Burt Lancaster, and Marisa Pavan. Directed by Daniel Mann, the movie is an adaptation of the Broadway play by Tennessee Williams. The story is set in a small fishing village on the Gulf Coast of the United States and revolves around Serafina Delle Rose, played by Anna Magnani, a Sicilian immigrant who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her husband and her daughter's rebellious behavior.

At the beginning of the movie, we see Serafina grieving the loss of her husband, Rosario, who was killed in a truck accident. Serafina is a passionate woman who blames herself for her husband's death and believes that he was unfaithful to her. She lives a secluded life with her teenager daughter, Rosa, and her father-in-law, who Serafina despises. She obsesses over Rosario, takes care of his belongings, and wears black in his memory.

Serafina's world is turned upside down when she discovers that her late husband had a mistress and a child with her. She feels betrayed and humiliated and becomes obsessed with finding the woman who had an affair with her husband. Meanwhile, Rosa rebels against her mother's strict rules and falls in love with a young sailor named Jack Hunter, played by Burt Lancaster. This triggers Serafina's rage and jealousy, and she forbids her daughter from seeing him again.

The Rose Tattoo is a story about love, loss, grief, and redemption. It explores themes of sexuality, identity, and cultural identity in a conservative society. The movie depicts the clash between the traditional values of Sicilian immigrants and the American way of life, and how it affects the relationships between family members.

The movie is known for its powerful performances, especially Anna Magnani's portrayal of Serafina. Magnani's performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first Italian actress to win the award. Her portrayal of Serafina is both dramatic and heartfelt, and she captures the character's passion and vulnerability with authenticity.

Burt Lancaster's performance as Jack Hunter is also noteworthy. He plays the role of a charming sailor who falls in love with Rosa but struggles to win the heart of her overprotective mother. Marisa Pavan, who plays Rosa, delivers a convincing performance as a rebellious teenager who is torn between her mother's expectations and her own desires.

The Rose Tattoo has received critical acclaim and was praised for its visual style, which captures the atmosphere of a small fishing village. The movie was shot on location in Key West, Florida, which adds to its authenticity. The movie also features a beautiful score by composer Alex North, which enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, The Rose Tattoo is a timeless classic that explores complex themes in a powerful and emotional way. It is a must-see for fans of Tennessee Williams' work and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted romantic drama.

The Rose Tattoo is a 1955 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.