The story of the descent into madness of Mussolini's secret first wife, Ida Dasler, who was seduced by his passion and vigour but blind to the fascist dictator's many flaws. A historical drama with the passion, lyricism and tragedy of a classical Italian opera. Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
Vincere is a thrilling period drama about the power of delusions.
– Colin Covert,
Minneapolis Star Tribune,
8 Apr 2010
fresh:
The untold story of how fascist strongman Benito Mussolini rose to power by trampling on the woman who loved him is a bracingly cinematic lesson in how all politics is personal.
– Joe Williams,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
15 Apr 2010
fresh:
Bellocchio has turned the story of Mussolini's discarded wife and son into a movie that has some of the bully swagger and excess of Il Duce himself.
– Jonathan F. Richards,
Film.com,
11 May 2010
fresh:
An astute study of amour fou and a cautionary tale about how the worship of false idols can lead to personal and national collapse.
– David Jenkins,
Time Out,
13 May 2010
fresh:
Carol Crivelli's soaring classical score heightens Bellochio's operatic tendencies.