Casanova (2005)
Facts
 
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| Directed by | Lasse Hallström |
| Cast | Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Jeremy Irons, Oliver Platt, Lena Olin, Lidia Biondi, Philip Davis, Leigh Lawson, Tim McInnerny and Ken Stott |
| Theatrical Release | December 25, 2005 |
| DVD Release | April 25, 2006 |
| Running Time | 111 minutes |
| MPAA Rating | R (Restricted) |
| UPC Code | 786936288858 |
| Buy this item | $10.49 at Amazon.com As of May 2 22:23 EDT (details) 1 DVD, Buena Vista Home Video, Usually ships in 24 hours, AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Languages: English (Original Language), French (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed) Or 54 new from $4.72, 54 used from $3.50, 1 collectible from $29.94 |
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User Reviews
Average user review:
(88 reviews)
Heavenly HeathLove that Heath Ledger. Really played the romantic/fool to a "T". Excellent movie for all Heath fans! April 22, 2008
Mistaken identity and other comical devices
This is an entertaining film, a light comedy of errors and mistaken identity, complimented by a talented cast, superb art direction and costume design.
The comical plot device of mistaken identity is ancient, showing up in the myths of the Greeks and Romans and Shakespeare's comedies. This film takes this strategy to the extremes with almost every leading character taking on the identity of other characters resulting in confusion and witty situational dialogue. Casanova takes on the identity of wealthy lard merchant Paprizzio so as to seduce Paprizzio's fiancé Francesca. Francesca takes on the identity of a fictional male philosopher of women's rights. Francesca's clumsy, love-sick brother Giovanni takes on the identity of Casanova. As the film continues the intended lovers find new and more compatible lovers while the evil agents of the Catholic Church, such as Bishop Pucci, are confounded by all the switches and reversals of fortune and plot.
The cast is superb and Health Ledger does a good job of playing Casanova. However he is surrounded by exceptional actors, many of whom steal every scene in which they are placed. Sienna Miller plays Francesca, an early feminist who resists Casanova's attentions. Jeremy Irons shows his comic talents as he overplays the villainous Bishop Pucci. However there were four actors who were exceptional. Lena Olin plays Andrea Bruni, the beautiful widow plotting to have her daughter married to a wealthy man. Oliver Platt plays Paprizzio the wealthy lard merchant, and he steals every scene he is in with his delivery of lines and facial expressions and physical presence. Omid Djalili is superb as Casanova's put upon man servant Lupo, constantly trying to cover-up all the switched identities and double dealings. Charlie Cox is very good as the goofy, clumsy younger brother Giovanni who grows from love sick puppy to legendary lover.
The sets and art direction are exceptional. The re-creation of Venice was outstanding with exceptional attention to the grandeur and architectural details that permeate the city. Costume design was excellent and sumptuous. The sound track was also excellent - containing the light energetic 18th century works for which Venice is known and which perfectly match this comedy.
Overall this is an entertaining film of light comedy, containing enough plot twists to keep your attention, finely acted especially by some of the secondary characters, and beautiful to watch.
April 15, 2008
fun and engagin
With all the actors/actresses in this one. It only adds a greater air of quality to this movie. Casanova warrants a buy if only to see how Heath Ledger handles this role of a womanizing player. Who can get any woman that he desires but he can't get the one that he actually loves played by Sienna Miller. Who plays a researcher/writer with headstrong views on the place of women in the world at that time. Also enjoyable is Oliver Platt who plays the man that she's signed and sealed to marry even though she's never met him. Which is exactly where all the hilarity and fun ensue in this movie and without throwing too much out on this one. Everyone has a thing or two going in this one and a certain someone from Heath's past will play a prominent role in this movie as well.
Even though he's passed on. He plays the Casanova role with such energy, commitment and devotion. I can't help but not being able to see him anymore new movies. But as it stands for this one, its not only about his character but the vast array of people that bring the story of Casanova to life.
Pretty decent ending as well. April 8, 2008
A comic story with some modern undertones
This is a fun story about Casanova and his pursuit of the one women that he can't have. She is intellectual, and thinks that he is a complete womanizer. Casanova is just passing the time waiting for his mother to return after a promise when he was quite young. He has been burning bridges everywhere he goes and the Cathlic church is knocking on the door for all of his transgressions. With time running out, he pulls out all of the stops to win the heart of his love. March 31, 2008
Heath Ledger at his most randy!
The minute he died, I knew there would be a run on this film. He is wonderful in it. I had to own it! March 29, 2008