L'armée Brancaleone

"L'Armata Brancaleone" is an absolute comedy masterpiece. Its surreal medieval world is incredibly deep and funny. The story is summarized here at IMDB, so it's not necessary to repeat it. The main comic device is based on the contrast between the heroic world that the charachters try to master (paladins, knights' tournaments, kings etc) and their actual miserable conditions. The only problem with this movie for non-italian speakers is the language: the authors re-created a mock medieval language (using ancient italian, latin and italian dialects) which is absolutely flamboyant. This particular language (very difficult to understand if you're not italian native speaker) and Vittorio Gassman make this movie one of the best comedies of the 20th century. Thanks to Mario Monicelli, the great film director.

Ok, the italian comedy of the `50s and `60s is one of the best in the world. I say this not only because I am italian but because it`s true. Just rent or buy the movies of directors such as Pietro Germi, Dino Risi, Steno and of course Mario Monicelli. L`Armata Brancaleone is one of the best comedies ever because of the script, the gags, the language (a very funny mix of ancient italian and latin, I don`t know how the translation could work) and the actors, first of all Gassman, the protagonist, that Monicelli `discovered` as a comic character in `I soliti ignoti` (before that Gassman played almost exclusively drama plays). Even the representation of the Middle Age seems to me (a non-expert in history) quite accurate: see for example the prophet who guides the people towards the Crusade (an incredible Gian Maria Volonte`).

Another gem of italian comedy, a must-see for everyone.

It is difficult to export this movie outside Italy, in particular because much of the amusement lies in the funny language used, a mix of italian dialects and mock middle-age latin. Anyway, it would be yet a good choice for everyone. It may remember Monthy python's 'Holy Grail', as a surrealistic medieval comedy. Only, this is way better. It is no surprise, considering that we have two great authors, a great director, and a group a great actors. And the word 'great' is no exaggeration! If you ever get a chance to see it, don't miss it, because it's unique.

I take the risk of annoying most people but it must be said: in order to get the full flavour of the fun in this movie you should have a really good knowledge of the Italian language, and view the film in original. It is hard even for an Italian to understand some of the dialogues, while they rapidly switch from Gassman's impeccable proto-Italian with strong Latin influences (spoken in such a serious manner as to result irresistibly comic), to Abacuc's Jewish version thereof, to the other characters' strong rural poor-man's accent.

In this movie, and in the delectable sequel "Brancaleone alle Crociate", Gassman is at the top of his skill as an actor. This is somehow like acting the "Fifteen Minutes Hamlet" without even remotely smiling, but giving a serious, professional performance. Only someone who is truly great can do the buffoon like this without appearing histrionic, or ridiculous.

This rare film is now available on a Brazilian DVD, which the earlier comments here convinced me was worth getting. I've just watched it, and it is a joy! The earlier commentators are right on the mark in their comparisons to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," in that it is an episodic, stylishly-realized, broad medieval comedy concerning a motley group of protagonists on a quest. Unlike the Monty Python film, however, this one never deviates from the story line and the actors never break character. It is also not quite as fully anarchic as the Python film. There is, in fact, a very touching death scene near the end of the film. Superbly paced, it seemed to me that there were no weak spots or comedic lulls. The poorly-translated English subtitles on my DVD were often very funny in their own right (unintentionally, I'm sure). But even though I don't understand Italian and missed some of the linguistic humor mentioned here, I still got a great deal of enjoyment out of it. The look of the film is fascinating, particularly some scenes in which the costuming, makeup, and set design evoke Fellini at his weirdest. Also, the use of the spectacular Italian countryside and old villages is outstanding. It's a privilege to have discovered this rare film, and I am thankful to the earlier commentators for helping bring it to my attention. That's one of the great advantages of visiting the IMDb.