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Poster for The Garden of the Finzi-Continis

The Garden of the Finzi-Continis

Seen it?

1970 | 95 min | Drama, History

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved The Zone of Interest or The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In 1930s Italy, a wealthy Jewish family tries to maintain their privileged lifestyle, hosting friends for tennis and parties at their villa. As anti-Semitism intensifies under Fascism, they must ultimately face the horrors of the Holocaust.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best International Feature Film. Won 1 Berlin award: Golden Bear. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 36K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Vittorio De Sica

  • Lino CapolicchioGiorgio
  • Dominique SandaMicól
  • Fabio TestiBruno
  • Romolo Vallipadre di Giorgio
  • Helmut BergerAlberto
  • Camillo Cesareipadre di Micól
  • Inna Alexeievnanonna di Micól
  • Katina Morisanimadre di Micól
  • Barbara Pilavinmadre di Giorgio
  • Michael BergerStudente tedesco