Directed by Roberto Rossellini
My rating: 2 stars out of 4
(DVD, Criterion Eclipse)
In 15th century Florence, the son of a rich banker clashes with rivals over control of the city's commerce. He is arrested and exiled, but a newly elected council allows him to return a few years later. Loved by the artisans and common people, he allows them to flourish by keeping the city at peace with foreign, and internal, threats. This nearly 4-hour TV mini series lacks any real drama, instead relying on extended conversations about philosophy, architecture, banking, art, etc. for its structure. As a result, it is leadenly paced and can be a real chore to sit through. However, authentic locations, costume design and sets do make for an interesting history lesson.
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