Review of Farinelli (1994) by Nick T — 18 Feb 2011

This was the belgium submission to the academy awards in 1995, tough it was a co-production between Italy/belgium/france.

It is a subject that inmediately called my attention as a musician: The story of Carlo Broschi best known as "Farinelli" or "Il castrato" a famous lyrical singer from the XVIII century, who was castrated as a child, so he can maintain the vocal range of soprano for the rest of his life. Talking a bout love for the arts...

Farinally was indeed legendary in music, it is said that his range was as extensive as 3 and a half octaves. It is also said that farinelli was a bit of a diva, a situation that probably caused many of the misconceptions that are portrayed in the film.

Albeit is a "biographical" film, there is a great deal of dramatic license, and many characters are taken in over or under consideration, and some as Haendel even are turned to villains...

Still is a enjoyable ride, with of course a vivid score that transports you to the baroque era, it is also well acted tough a little melodrama is overused, and has a good makeup and costume.