![Captain Corelli's Mandolin [DVD] [2001]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T1/images/I/715K6X7kZXL.jpg)
Product Description Big budget Hollywood adaptation of the novel set on the Italian-occupied Greek island of Cephalonia during the 1940s. Captain Corelli (Nicolas Cage), an opera-loving mandolin player, finds the population resentful when he first arrives on the island. But soon his involvement with local beauty Pelagia (Penelope Cruz) helps him form a bond with the local community and he starts to question his own involvement in the war. The tentative love affair between Corelli and Pelagia is then tested by the brutal arrival of the Germans in 1943. .co.uk Review While Captain Corelli's Mandolin may frustrate admirers of Louis de Bernières' densely detailed novel, it proves Shakespeare in Love director John Madden is a worthy craftsman of literary films. It's a tastefully old-fashioned adaptation, preserving the novel's flavour while focusing on its love story set against the turbulence of World War II. Set on the Greek island of Cephallonia, the drama begins in 1940 with occupation by Italian troops, awkwardly allied with the Nazis and preferring hedonistic friendliness over military intimidation. That attitude is most generously embodied by Captain Corelli (Nicolas Cage), who is instantly drawn to the Greek beauty Pelagia (Penélope Cruz) despite her engagement to Mandras (Christian Bale), a resistance fighter whose absence leaves Pelagia needy for affection. Mandras's eventual return--and the inevitable attack by German bombers and ground troops--threaten to stain this Greek-Italian romance with deeply tragic bloodshed. Accompanied by pensive serenades from the captain's cherished mandolin, the film charts the unlikely attraction of Corelli and Pelagia, whose wizened physician father (splendidly played by John Hurt) fears for the worst. Their love is uneasy (and Cage's miscasting doesn't help), but the island's beguiling atmosphere is as seductive to them as it is to the viewer, thus making the outbreak of violence--and a climactic earthquake--jarringly traumatic. Emphasising nobility in war and the many definitions of love, the story's wartime context intensifies the film's admirable depth of emotion. Faults will be found by anyone who's looking for them, but Captain Corelli's Mandolin remains a sensuous, richly layered film that die-hard romantics will find hard to resist.--Jeff Shannon, .com
L**N
One of my favs
Romance. Sadness. War. Peace. Lovely kefalonia. A one to watch film.
K**E
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V**R
Brilliant
Having missed seeing the film I bought the Dvd. It was lovely. The story based on the novel is well reflected with John Hurt in splendid form as the doctor. The scenery of the island of Cephallonia is stunning and adds to the horror of the treatment and massacre of the Italian soldiers. I would certainly recommend this for a bit of escapism with some good acting as well.
M**R
Brilliant
Great quality
T**R
Different from the book, but a lovely take on it nonetheless
For all those who have read the book, the film is a little different; they've edited out the more violent aspects and amped up some of the romance. And considering I'm not a fan of the book ending of CCM, I'm okay with that.This film is actually quite good, and the actors do a fantastic job of portraying troubled characters in a time of we and occupation. Nicholas Cage is brilliant with his Mandolin (music is another great aspect to this film) and plays the part of a musical soldier very well.The darker side to this film, despite the beauty of the film locale is shown rather subtly; it isn't all about guns and fighting, rather through the emotional suffering of people in times of war. Yes, the pacing is a bit off here and there but the story itself is strong and focused.This is a movie that is worth watching.
C**E
Love and passion, Medditerranean days and nights during a troubled time
I am a little surprised that this film has been panned by some of the critics, I suspect that is because it doesn't conform to the typical stereotype of a Hollywood film about the Second World War.Perhaps many of the critical reviewers here got to the scene on the beach and switched off ? I have news for you guys, it is the only scene like that in the whole film. Persevere, you will be pleased that you did.I think that ultimately it is quite a moving film.Despite the fact that it is somewhat different to the book (on which it is based) it is still a very well made film with a very positive storyline.Penelope Cruz is excellent, as is John Hurt. I was a little surprised (and apprehensive) at the casting of Nicholas Cage but overall he doesn't make a bad job of things.The filming is wonderful, the story is good, and the scenery breathtaking and, as others have already pointed out, it can usually be purchased for next to nothing, which genuinely surprises me.This is a good film !Buy this film, you will not be disappointed !
R**Y
Best Movie ever (with him in it)
Just have to say the only way I could see this movie in the UK was to buy the DVD. I just know there will be hundreds like it.Anyway fabulous movie. Full of Love, Romance, and tears.
J**N
History
A story of fascism on the beautiful island of Kephalonia during the wartime occupation, first by Mussolini's far from willing army and then by 'obedient' German Nazi troops. I have read Louis De Bernier's well researched book twice and never fail to enjoy so much of his dialogue; a selection of his wonderful speeches are repeated in the film. While the love story is fiction the author has taken the threads from stories he gathered from those who witnessed the events of the 1940s. The eventual shooting of the Italian Aqui Division is sadly true. We visited many of the locations of the film, stunningly beautiful now; they contrast with those dreadful war time experiences endured by the Greeks and later by the Italians. Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruse do justice to this well told history. Russel Watson's rendering the theme song is icing on the cake.
Trustpilot
3 days ago
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