During world war 2 many lives were lost, towns were destroyed, people were displaced and wandering through Europe trying to survive. As the war progressed so did the damage and abuse that was bestowed upon the innocent townspeople throughout the war stricken countryside. Even worse, the soldiers were also violently collecting people of Jewish descent from the occupied countries. Adolph Hitler was searching for anything or anyone who could give him an advantage against the Allied troops (made up of mostly the United States, England, France, and Russia) he was facing in the European theater.
Performing in the Circus is a wonderful thing and a life worth living for these spectacular characters. Traveling through Italy from town to town, these magical performers have it all. Led by elder, Israel (Giorgio Tirabassi), a jewish magician and owner of his circus, along with his friends and specialty acts, Fulvio or Fu (Claudio Santamaria), beast or dog man with extraordinary strength, Mario (Giancarlo Martini), Clown with magnetic abilities, Cencio (Pietro Castellitto), a young man who attracts and controls insects, and lastly, Matilde (Aurora Giovinazzo), a young women who is full of electricity and can light things up.
After losing their circus to one of the German bombings that destroys the town they were performing in, they are wondering where they should go next. Israel suggests America and collects money from each of them and wanders off to sell their cart and purchase tickets for the ship abroad . When he does not return, they fear that he has been captured by the Germans. With the suggestion of Fu they start out seeking Franz (Franz Rogowski) a German who has six fingers on both hands and can play the piano magnificently, who is part of the German Reich Circus (Berlin Circus).
Director and writer Gabriele Mainetti does a wonderful job creating a unique storyline, and fantastic special effects, including the explosions, and the characters amazing abilities. He created realistic war-like scenes with fantastic cinematography that brings world war battles to life. Gabriele develops a great use of history and displays it with a vengeful reaction. Also there was a strong performance by the entire cast that cultivates this magical adventure. Lasty, Mainetti includes and displays the cruelty forced upon the jewish community and the struggles they had to endure.
This great foreign film goes the extra mile, by establishing excellent cinematography and spectacular CGI (Computer generated Imagery), that helps make it become an entertaining wonderful film. By creating a different look at history with these wonderful circus performers forced to turn into our new heroes, gives us a strong sense of survival in this thrilling adventure.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the wonderful display of history, with an unique storyline, and magnificent cinematography.
Stars 4 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Claudio Santamaria, Aurora Giovinazzo, Pietro Castellitto, Giancarlo Martini, Giorgio Tirabassi, Max Mazzotta, Franz Rogowski, Sebastian Hülk, Anna Tenta.
Directed and written by: Gabriele Mainetti
Genre: World Cinema, Historical, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy and War.
MPAA Rating: R for some war violence, nudity, and bad language.
Running Time: 2 hours and 21 minutes.
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Distributed By: VMI Releasing
Release In: Standard and Digital.
