Il Divo (2008)

92% of critics liked it
(48 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(3,713 ratings)

Award-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino (The Family Friend) writes and directs this cinematic portrait of seven-time Italian prime minister Giulio Andreotti, whose controversial legacy peaked when he was tried for Mafia ties and subsequently acquitted. A leader with close ties to the Vatican,… More Award-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino (The Family Friend) writes and directs this cinematic portrait of seven-time Italian prime minister Giulio Andreotti, whose controversial legacy peaked when he was tried for Mafia ties and subsequently acquitted. A leader with close ties to the Vatican, Andreotti was also tried and acquitted for the murder of an Italian journalist, and remains a senator for life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Paolo Sorrentino
Written By: Paolo Sorrentino
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Apr 23, 2009 Wide
On DVD: Oct 27, 2009
Studio: Music Box Films

Critic Reviews

Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com
The film takes flight on the brilliant title performance by Tony Servillo (Gomorrah), who plays Andreotti like a mummified Alec Guinness, as if encased in layers of plaster of Paris.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
We may not know the man, but we know the dance, as seen in the highly diverting and hugely controversial Il Divo, a biopic as wly as its subject.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
After I saw Il Divo, I suppose I should have felt indignation. I suppose I should also have felt that way after "The Godfather." But such films present such mesmerizing figures that I simply regard them, astonished.
Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic
The enigmatic Andreotti is the perfect subject for a biopic in the European tradition.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
All in all, this phenomenal film illustrates Alexis de Tocqueville's observation that "The people get the government they deserve." In both meanings of the word, Il Divo is sensational.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Il Divo joins Matteo Garrone's more expansive, more extraordinary Gomorrah -- which contains an even better performance from Servillo -- as a grim portrait of the trouble with modern Italy.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
A fascinating history of recent Italian politics.
Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
... not so much a savage satire as one disenchanted with the institutional corruption of politics.
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
A smart political film, a fascinating villainous politician
Sarah Boslaugh, Playback:stl
... Sorrentino avoids the dreary conventions of the biopic in favor of a cheeky mix of music montages, dramatic re-enactments and hilariously deadpan takes ....
Andrew Wright, The Stranger (Seattle, WA)
Combining clammy skin, busy hands, and a posture reminiscent of Snoopy in his vulture phase, [Servillo] (re-)creates a fascinating monster ... Given some CliffsNotes, the surrounding film might even be worthy of him.
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
Quite often foreign language releases get short shrift when it comes to extras on their DVD release - but Artificial Eye has done Il Divo proud with this diverting set of additional material.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
Inventive and fun... Toni Servillo gives a truly exquisite performance, easily the finest seen on U.S. screens in 2009 thus far.
Liz Braun, Jam! Movies
This is a spectacular film about corruption in high places, specifically as that relates to the political life of Giulio Andreotti, seven times prime minister of Italy and a senator for life.
Brian Tallerico, Movie Retriever
A stunning piece of work that feels both familiar and completely unique at the same time.
Peter Sobczynski, eFilmCritic.com
Servillo does such a good job of suggesting the drive and intelligence of the man that he automatically becomes one of the great recent cinematic symbols of absolute political power and the questionable means utilized in order to achieve it.
Eric D. Snider, EricDSnider.com
Even with no knowledge of Italian government, you can enjoy this hip, un-stodgy, grimly entertaining dissection of it.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
You may not leave the theater with a firmer grasp of Italian politics, but you will leave with an appreciation of some outstanding filmmaking.
Shawn Levy, Oregonian
There is sufficient power in the imagery and performances to make Il Divo worth hacking through.

Read all 19 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

What an astonishing biopic. Only in Italy, with their rather dubious politics could a film like this be made but Paolo Sorrentino has got some front to openly accuse the former-prime minister and powerful figurehead of some horrendous crimes. This is a good thing though, we need more… More
What an astonishing biopic. Only in Italy, with their rather dubious politics could a film like this be made but Paolo Sorrentino has got some front to openly accuse the former-prime minister and powerful figurehead of some horrendous crimes. This is a good thing though, we need more directors like Sorrentino. Italy is rich with confident filmmakers though, Matteo Garrone took just as many risks directing Gomorrah as Roberto Saviano did writing it. Could they be the next Pier Paolo Pasolini & Federico Fellini? My answer is yes, because not only did they simplify a complicated storeys, they also filmed them beautifully. IL Divo is dripping with Italian style, every frame has been planed meticulously and everyone is like a Edward Hopper painting. The story and visuals slow down slightly in the second half but that is when Toni Servillo's Giulio Andreotti really comes alive, the slightest expression creating suspense, intrigue an genuine excitement. This is an awesome film, Phyllida Lloyd should take note with her upcoming film about the life and career of Margaret Thatcher, although I wont hold my breath, not after Mama Mia anyway.
Stefanie C

A brilliant film based on the complex and enigmatic character of Andreotti, and Italy itself. The Italian political scene during the Christian Democrats' reign was rife with clientelism, corruption and terrorism. Servillo's portrait of Andreotti is appropriately ambiguous… More
A brilliant film based on the complex and enigmatic character of Andreotti, and Italy itself. The Italian political scene during the Christian Democrats' reign was rife with clientelism, corruption and terrorism. Servillo's portrait of Andreotti is appropriately ambiguous and opaque. The primary strength of this film is Sorrentino's masterful direction, settings, framing, film composition and montage. Plus, any film that can successfully incorporate Trio's 'da da da' into a soundtrack predominately composed of classical music deserves commendation. Bravo!!!
Alice S

Excellent music/sound editing and a deft portrayal by Toni Servillo that is at once comical and sad. Not being at all familiar with Andreotti's reign of terror, I was pretty confused by all the courtroom/arbitration scenes, but I gather that that's kinda what the filmmakers… More
Excellent music/sound editing and a deft portrayal by Toni Servillo that is at once comical and sad. Not being at all familiar with Andreotti's reign of terror, I was pretty confused by all the courtroom/arbitration scenes, but I gather that that's kinda what the filmmakers were going for, at least for the non-Italian audience. There are no scenes that directly implicate Andreotti's involvement with the Mafia, and that kinda gels with the film's title, The Divine, as if to say, he was that untouchable. His foes would simply disappear without him having to lift a finger.
Gordon A

Sorrentino delivers another imaginative, original take on a potentially dry topic. I couldn't claim to understand all the ins and outs of the Italian politics on show, or their veracity, but he pulls you through with his visual invention.
Walter M

"Il Divo" is a stylish political thriller about Giulio Andreotti(Toni Servillo), the seven-time Prime Minister of Italy, starting in the late 1980's. On the surface, he does not look like a powerful man, as he is short of stature with a perpetual slouch forward.(If you… More
"Il Divo" is a stylish political thriller about Giulio Andreotti(Toni Servillo), the seven-time Prime Minister of Italy, starting in the late 1980's. On the surface, he does not look like a powerful man, as he is short of stature with a perpetual slouch forward.(If you want to go the megalomania route, there is a white cat.) But appearances can be deceiving as he gives away very little as far as emotions are concerned. In fact, the only time he loses control is after the murder of Aldo Moro, his moderate rival in the Christian Democrats by the Red Brigades. It should come as no surprise that Moro and Communism haunt him. All of which might explain Andreotti's migraine headaches which he has long sought relief for. He sends one medicine that showed promise to a journalist who dies shortly after. It is not the medicine nor the headaches that kill him. It is a gunshot. It is not simply intimidation that lies behind Andreotti's power, but in how it is practiced. Of course he cannot be directly or openly involved, because that could lead to a loss of power. At least, that is what is alleged.
Daniel P

I'm sorry, and I am obviously in a tiny minority here, but I found Il Divo, largely, incredibly tedious, frustrating, annoying. No amount of camera trickery, pop music interludes, fast cutaways or 3D inter titles can disguise the fact that this is a laborious,… More
I'm sorry, and I am obviously in a tiny minority here, but I found Il Divo, largely, incredibly tedious, frustrating, annoying. No amount of camera trickery, pop music interludes, fast cutaways or 3D inter titles can disguise the fact that this is a laborious, boring affair. The huge amount of characterless characters is my biggest problem, with - for a long time - practically every 60 seconds a new person being introduced and then barely seen again. I'm a huge admirer of Paolo Sorrentino's previous films but really was not feeling this one at all, and it was a real chore to get through. I didn't find it comedic, tragic or exciting, just snoozeworthy.
Kyle S

One of the best biopics I have ever seen.