Captain Corelli's Mandolin

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Captain Corelli's Mandolin

R

Released Aug 17, 2001

2h 7m

Drama

Romance

War

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

28%

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119 Reviews

50%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

An epic tale about the enduring hope of love and the devastating brutality of war, set amid the Italian occupation of Greece during World War II. An officer falls in love with the daughter of the village doctor and he begins to question his reasons for fighting. As the war grows closer the two are forced to choose between their allegiance to their countries and the love they feel for one another.

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Critics Consensus

The cinematography is gorgeous, but the movie plays it fast and loose with history and the novel it was adapted from. Mostly, the movie fails because the romance between the leads strains credulity and the story is largely uninvolving.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

All these goodies are crammed into an overproduced jumble that searches vainly for a proper tone.

Mar 8, 2018

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C

Sep 7, 2011

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Derek Elley

Variety

Strikes too many false notes on the dramatic side to add up to a satisfying emotional experience.

Aug 7, 2008

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Daniel Barnes

Dare Daniel

Despite the beautiful locale and an impressive cast, we’re never given a compelling reason to care about any element of this tedious and soulless awards-grubber. Even the mandolin doesn’t matter!

Rated: 1.5/5

Oct 3, 2023

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Betsy Bozdech

DVDJournal.com

Without the deeper political, historical, and emotional contexts of the best-selling Louis de Bernieres novel the movie is based on, director John Madden's film ultimately doesn't carry enough weight.

Rated: 2/4

Jan 15, 2022

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Captain Corelli's Mandolin is just the latest example of why many books should not be turned into films, literacy should be promoted in our educational institutions and sub-titles should be used on films requiring foreign accents.

Nov 7, 2019

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Pam S

I'm confused how they made such a terrible film from a book I enjoyed, an amazing location, and some fine actors. But it's deeply appalling. The dialogue is bizarrely stilted as if a robot wrote it. The actors deliver their lines like they've never spoken in public before... and to make it worse: fake accents! Just no. Never do a fake accent Nick you sound ridiculous. As to plot, maybe they ran out of money I don't know, but there isn't one. Not visibly, anyway. Do not waste your life on this film. Go do the ironing, walk in the garden, dust the shelves, wire to your grandmother: so many better ways of using up your time and brain. Absolute shocker.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

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Sergio R

"Captain Corelli's Mandolin" is a captivating romantic drama that enchants viewers with its poetic dialogues, stunning scenery, and rich historical setting. The film beautifully portrays the idyllic landscapes of Cephalonia, immersing the audience in its timeless charm. While the historical reconstruction may take creative liberties, it serves the narrative well, framing a poignant love story against the backdrop of World War II. Far from aiming to be a strict historical documentary, the movie focuses on the emotional depth of its characters, offering a heartfelt tale that resonates long after the credits roll.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/25

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Nikos F

Wonderful film...the actors were spot on and the leads were exceptional... the filming which took place on the island of Cephalonia in Greece is incredible and really, it is worth every minute, not a boring moment anywhere. One of the best films you are likely to see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/03/23

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jarrydfc

If you've read the book and enjoyed your read, do not watch this film. Do not attempt to watch this film. I'm not overreacting. Don't do it. Also, even if you haven't read the book, I suggest not watching this film.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

11/28/23

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Steve D

Long, unoriginal and uninteresting.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

A handsomely photographed historical picture with a mostly disinteresting love triangle. This star studded romance infused with World War 2 is serviceable enough but hot highly recommendable.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

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John Madden

Director

Nicolas Cage

Captain Antonio Corelli

Penélope Cruz

Pelagia

John Hurt

Dr. Iannis

Christian Bale

Mandras

David Morrissey

Weber

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Synopsis

An epic tale about the enduring hope of love and the devastating brutality of war, set amid the Italian occupation of Greece during World War II. An officer falls in love with the daughter of the village doctor and he begins to question his reasons for fighting. As the war grows closer the two are forced to choose between their allegiance to their countries and the love they feel for one another.

Director: John Madden
Producer: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Kevin Loader, Mark Huffam
Screenwriter: Shawn Slovo, Louis de Bernières
Distributor: Universal Pictures, Miramax Films
Production Co: Le Studio Canal +, Working Title Films, Universal Pictures
Rating: R (Sexuality|Language|Some Violence)
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.5M
Runtime: 2h 7m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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