Watch Tis Pity She's A Whore

The 1980 film Tis Pity She's A Whore, directed by Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, is an adaptation of John Ford's play of the same name. The movie stars Kenneth Cranham as Soranzo, Cherie Lunghi as Annabella, and Anthony Bate as Friar Bonaventura. Set in the 17th century in Italy, the film tells the story of Annabella, a young woman who falls in love with her own brother Giovanni (played by Fabrizio Bentivoglio), and their tragic fate. Annabella is engaged to Soranzo, a powerful nobleman. However, she secretly marries her own brother and becomes pregnant. When their relationship is discovered, the siblings are forced to flee the city. Soranzo is outraged and seeks revenge, hiring thugs to kill Giovanni. In the end, Annabella dies giving birth to a stillborn child, and Giovanni is killed by Soranzo's men.

The movie's themes explore the destructive nature of desire and the consequences of immorality. The taboo relationship between Annabella and Giovanni underscores the harsh reality of the era, where incest was not only frowned upon but also punishable by death. The film also depicts the corrupt and hypocritical society of 17th century Italy, where powerful men like Soranzo could get away with murder, while the powerless were punished severely.

One of the film's strengths is its stunning cinematography. The movie was shot in Italy and features beautiful landscapes, impressive architecture, and intricate costume design. The visuals evoke the opulence and elegance of the era, while also highlighting the grimness and brutality of its social norms.

The performances of the cast are also noteworthy. Cherie Lunghi delivers a powerful performance as Annabella, the young woman torn between her love for her brother and her duty to her fiancé. Her acting is graceful and nuanced, capturing the full range of emotions that Annabella experiences throughout the film. Kenneth Cranham is equally impressive as Soranzo, the jilted fiancé who becomes consumed with jealousy and revenge. His portrayal of Soranzo's descent into madness is haunting and intense.

Anthony Bate is also noteworthy in his role as Friar Bonaventura, a sympathetic character who provides refuge for Annabella and Giovanni when they are forced to flee. Bate's performance highlights the compassion and understanding that can be found in the midst of a society ruled by cruelty and violence.

Overall, Tis Pity She's A Whore is a powerful and thought-provoking film. Its examination of taboo relationships and the consequences of immorality make it a challenging, yet rewarding watch. The film's beautiful visuals and strong performances from its cast make it a standout adaptation of Ford's play.