Pupi Avati's opulent tale of Northern Italian mores and marriage on the eve of the 20th century is so full of wonderful details that you can't help but wish the central story weren't such a washout. On the morning of Dec. 31, 1899, Francesca Babini (Ines
Sastre) reluctantly prepares to marry the wealthy but ever-so-creepy Edgardo Osti (Dario Cantarelli), not out of love, but to save her family from certain financial ruin. After she's literally dragged to the altar, Francesca spots Edgardo's best man, Angelo (Deigo Abatantuono), a former menial
laborer for Edgardo's family who's just returned from America, where it's rumored he amassed a fortune. If Francesca is pow...
Released:
1998
Rated:
PG
Length:
100 mins