original title LA
PRINCIPESSA E IL POVERO [Princess and the Pauper]
director: Lamberto Bava
starring Anna Falchi · Max von Sydow · Lorenzo Crespi
· Nicholas Rogers · Thomas Kretschmann
This
spectacular fantasy/thriller from Lamberto Bava leans a bit more 'adult'
than his previousFANTAGHIRO
series. While decidedly intended for a younger audience, this one definitely
raises some eyebrows with the voluptuous Anna Falchi in the titular role.
Plus, director Bava intensifies conflict or physical violence in
his fairytale story. This also includes shades of S&M (i.e.,
when Princess Maribella turns Leonardo into a slave and leads him on a
leash like a dog). Perhaps most surprising are the 'adult' themes dealing
with rape and incest. Maribella herself was born from a rape by the evil
sorcerer Epos (Max von Sydow) and then, later in the film, he demands
that she becomes his bride "to generate a lineage of magicians"
even though he is her father.
At
the heart of this popcorn movie is a rather tradition story of royal twins
who are separated at birth. During a summer festival, they both fall in
love with a mysterious young woman who had been visiting their village
under disguise. Neither Leonardo nor Ademaro know that she is actually
the princess of the kingdom. A sibling rivalry erupts. Meanwhile, on the
darker side, a black wizard decides to get involved because he wants Princess
Maribella for himself.
An
Italian with optional English subtitles; widescreen, (185 minutes) in
DVD encoded for
ALL REGION NTSC, playable on any American DVD machine;
Extras include Fantaghiro
trailers
