O Incrível Exército 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.

I have seen this movie when it first came out in Germany in a dubbed version. I went back several times I liked it so much, great comedy, great acting and entertainment. After all this years I started searching on the web, because nobody in America seems to have ever heard of this movie. So far I only found an old German dubbed copy, but I look forward to finally see the original version. I have seen many movies in my time, but Brancaleone seems to always come to my mind when I think of comedy and middle ages. The Monty Python can not reach this one.

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.

Ok, this movie is very funny, really. There are great jokes, a lot of gags and pure nonsense. The characters are unforgettable and the reconstitution of Middle Age is impressive. Unfortunately, it's an unknown (in the USA) masterpiece of Mario Monicelli and there are another Medieval Comedy's movies more famous, like Monty Phyton and the Holy Grail. But, if you will have a chance to watch "L'Armata Brancaleone" (The Incredible Army of Brancaleone), don't miss because it's really good.