As Garibaldi's troops begin the unification of Italy in the 1860s, an aristocratic Sicilian family grudgingly adapts to the sweeping social changes undermining their way of life. Proud but pragmatic Prince Don Fabrizio Salina allows his war hero nephew, Tancredi, to marry Angelica, the beautiful daughter of gauche, bourgeois Don Calogero, in order to maintain the family's accustomed level of comfort and political clout.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 10 wins & 6 nominations total
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
Is this the most beautiful film ever made?
– Trevor Johnston,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
Two-plus hours of engrossing machinations and opulent scenery point the way to the piece de resistance: a 45-minute gala scene that the Almighty himself would approve as a luxuriant prelude to the Rapture.
– Keith Uhlich,
Time Out New York,
22 Dec 2010
fresh:
The film is a long, rich sigh at the end of the day, one that only Don Fabrizio can hear.
– Ty Burr,
Boston Globe,
24 Nov 2011
fresh:
A magnificent film, munificently outfitted and splendidly acted by a large cast dominated by Burt Lancaster's standout stint in the title role.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
23 Feb 2012
fresh:
The film aches with regret over a crumbling empire, but its feelings are complicated by the wise prince, who recognizes his place on the wrong side of history.