The film was made in 1962 and was awarded the Golden Palm of the Cannes Film Festival (1963). “The Leopard” is called the top of the world film art. The film astonishes by its beauty and immensity. It is a historical film epic devoted to Garibaldi epoch and establishment of united Italy. Transformation of the entire country and life of the principal character Prince Don Fabrizio Di Salina are put on the screen by Luchino Visconti in detail, with brilliant elegance and in good taste. He managed to convey the splendor of the past and the sharpness of loss of grandeur of the period in Italian history, which is described in his novel by Italian writer, the 12th Duke of Palma di Montechiaro, the 11th Prince of Lampedusa, Grandee of Spain Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. 

We see how the break of the epoch collides people and fates. Some climb high as never before, others are slowly and steadily pushed out of life. Questions and solutions change, something is irrevocably lost, however something new appears as well. 

Peculiarity of the film is that despite battle scenes, historical background and ever-changing locations, psychological portraits of the principal characters do not decline. All film characters are magnificent, they are the best reflection of the society and the time of change. According to Visconti “historical and political motives by no means prevail over other – they are as essential to the characters as blood in their veins”. 

April 5, “Magnesite” Cultural Center. 

Film director: Luchino Visconti

Starring: Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, Claudia Cardinale