Die Borgias

I have just finished watching the "versión extendida" of Los Borgia, the 2dvd-set lasting 92+93 minutes respectively. Was it too long? Not really. The story spans about 14 years (1492-1506), has three or four main characters (pope Alejandro VI with his children César, Lucrecia and Juan), each with their own plots and subplots. While I haven't seen any of the previous, shorter versions, I suspect they were too condensed to give much room to characterization and plot development. In fact, had Los Borgia been turned into a television series twice as long, it might have been better still.

What did I like about this film? First, the way it was photographed, the sets and the dresses, that really looked like clothes made for wearing. Second, the acting, which was modest and unobtrusive. The characters -- usually taken to be the personification of all that is evil in the Roman Catholic Church -- were depicted as fully human, at times even likable, without taking away anything of the gruesomeness of their deeds. And that is the third thing I like about this film: the way the makers have turned a black page in church history into a lively period piece, without resorting to cheap pornography, as could easily have been the case.

Some minor quibbles: the DVD does not have any extras, which always is a shame, and subtitles (Spanish or English) are sadly lacking -- a drawback to those who, like me, aren't Spanish and might have difficulties understanding everything that is said. Also, for those that are not well up in history around 1500, it might have helped if the makers had inserted dates every now and then. If I remember correctly only once a specific date (1503) is mentioned by one of the characters.

In conclusion, I really liked this film. It gives a fresh and lively look on a controversial episode in the history of Europe.

a film with many virtues. care for historical accuracy, costumes, music, tension, performances. and wise manner to propose a fresco about the ambition and self definition.. but not enough to be a great film. because it seems be only a beautiful sketch, full of good intentions, seductive in few scenes, saved by the presence of Angela Molina but too tensioned for present the story more than as a kind of parable about power. a film who impress for the detail's exploitation. for the ambition to reflect the spirit of a period in the inspired manner. and for the new perspective about Borgias, realistic, interesting, cold, with few drops of romance.

Once upon a time there was a lazy director who always lost his morning bus and arrived so late at the filming sessions that they had to be filmed without him. I can't imagine any other reason why the acting is so soft and unconvincing. In fact, most of the actors/actresses could have been removed from the scenes, and you wouldn't have noticed almost any changes. Any of them stands out amongst the others (with some respectable exceptions as Angela Molina, who is quite under-used in the cast).

After seeing half of the picture (yes, you are correct: I won't stand the fully 140' runtime) I really can't say what is this movie about. Neither can say anything about the characters. I just remember a boring, boring, boring feeling during the past 1h10': There are just two or three different scenes, repeated and combined until you certainly know what's coming next. Music is exhaustingly dramatic and monotonic.

The good thing: The epoch costumes and the sets, which is not still enough reason to watch this movie.

I haven't seen any passion, power nor interest. And I don't care where the plot is going to the other half picture; It shall go without me.

impressive cast. honest story. and desire to present with great accuracy a very complicated tale. and the result is not bad. but it is too correct. the preoccupation of director to not make errors is first cage of its potential. so, the gestures are almost theatrical, the performance is limited, the story is prudent and action , in few moments, not credible.so, it is a good film but not more. too long and too short in same measure, not really profound but full of good intentions, it remains sketch of a fresco who can present essence of a powerful family.and its perfect ingredient is Angela Molina in a delicate - subtle role.is it enough ? I do not know. but I think than Lluis Homer can be more credible in this kind of role and the art of Paz Vegas is not indicated for a shadow - role.

Really nice film. I enjoyed it a lot, and was not long at all. May be is because I love historic films.

One of the best things about the film, is the way the Pope and the cardinals are depicted. They are not pious people like in many films. Instead they behave like emperors and politicians, which is probably nearer the reality. There is also some nudity, but I don't think they abuse of it at all, even more if we read about the morals of the Borgia family.

The only thing I didn't like much about the film, is that it narrates only the facts surrounding the Borgia family and their political interests, buts speaks very little about the overall situation in Europe, and the important changes in Europe's art and society during the 14th and 15th century.