Before the Revolution (Prima della rivoluzione) (1965)

Critic Reviews

• Eugene Archer, New York Times

  Here is a new talent of outstanding promise.

• Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

  The contrary attractions of sensuality and politics have been the subject of many of Bertolucci's films, but the conflict is presented most passionately and personally here.

• Philip French, Guardian [UK]

  Altogether a dazzling film, both continually vital and something of a time capsule.

• Derek Malcolm, This is London

  Both the vices and virtues of youthful confidence are apparent in its muddied complexity and fluid brilliance.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  A cerebral and involving film whose vigour is undimmed after 47 years.

• Sukhdev Sandhu, Daily Telegraph

  What makes the film worth reviving is its stylistic elan, some channeled through Godard, Fellini and Antonioni, but all fresh and vigorous...

• Adrian Turner, Radio Times

  This is a fascinating apprentice effort, even if it is full of dated, gimmicky effects borrowed from Jean-Luc Godard.

• Tom Dawson, Total Film

  Revolution is vibrantly shot, scored and edited, yet permeated by a mood of disenchantment.

• , Time Out

  In all of Bertolucci's movies, there's a central conflict between the 'radical' impulses and a pessimistic (and/or willing) capitulation to the mainstream of bourgeois society and culture.

• , Film4

  One of the masterpieces of Italian cinema -- and director Bertolucci was only in his early twenties when he completed it.

• , TV Guide's Movie Guide

  Cinematically, the film is technically accomplished, but shows Bertolucci still developing his distinctive style.

Read all 11 critic reviews