Just Noise

Enjoyable film, based on true events, beautifully shot with top draw cinematography, and solid performances from some great talent including Malcolm McDowell, Harvey Keitel, with a stand out performance from Ian Virgo as Corporal Bell.

Not your average war movie. Blood On The Crown (2021) is a powerful narrative, set in the final days of World War I. The untold story, written by Jean Pierre Magro, unfolds against the backdrop of true events surrounding Maltese Independence from Britain. Caught in the cross hairs of duty and oppression, the viewer is placed center stage, reliving pages of silenced history. Director Davide Ferrario frames the very soul of humanity, with Harvey Keitel underscoring a salient performance marked by the film's moral conflict. Malcom McDowell shifts the dynamics of the character divide with an arresting display of accomplishment. One can not leave this film without contemplating the very nature of defining freedom itself. Ian Virgo bookends this indelible historic war story, leaving us in the seat of our own morality, questioning 'How far would you go to KEEP freedom from another?' ...

For its budget, this movie exceeded my expectation in terms of filming and storyline. I believe it is a seriously good production given the resources. It appears to be rather historically accurate too with a relatively balanced view of things. We saw it with our tween daughter who is studying these events as part of Maltese history. What I could not understand is the need to pepper a historical drama.with raw Maltese vulgar language as if it were Beverly Hills Cop. I believe it was possible to use less vulgar language and still express the strong emotions in the movie. If you are watching this with your Maltese tween (the English subtitles tend to limit the translation of the colourful Maltese vulgar vernacular to the F word most of the time), be prepared for it.

Film was recommended by a friend and I gave it a go even though I knew it was a historical film about a story I was unfamiliar with. As a soldier myself I watched the movie and thought it was well done, especially the British soldiers and the Maltese citizens/rebels; depending on your perspective. The thing that immediately came out to me was the tough decisions that have to be made by people in service to or under orders from people who don't actually have to engage. Ian Virgo, as Corporal Bell, stood out to me as well as others but the thing that hit me was that this film was on my mind and I was still contemplating it for days. Anything that makes you think about these subjects is a positive to me in todays day and age of big budget, special effects and escapism. Definitely worth your time!

Utterly Brilliant! I study film, i make films, iam a passionate story teller...and let me tell you this film is nearly flawless...in fact none come to mind, though there must be some. lol

***There are zero spoilers in this review :)

The film is quite possibly the most subtle and diverse character study of 'conflict' that i have ever watched. The film Braveheart was brilliant and deserving of all its rewards, but its narrative arc and focus are much more wide in scope than this film. In contrast Blood on the Crown, is a beautifully nuanced look at the age-old empire vs rebellion story, completely dedicated to the characters' journey, and to my delight, both sides are equally represented in this regard.

The angry: hawks, simpletons, and youth of each side is well represented. The compassionate and more reasoned characters of the empire/rebellion, are both finely tuned and developed.

It depicts a very 'real' world. Each type of character with their flaws, and we see their struggles, and we understand their motives through many character development and story techniques.

I am in awe.

And notice how i haven't said anything about the Directing, Acting, Cinematography, Editing, Production design, Music etc?

For me, and for stories in general, character development and journey is primary...crucial to any great storytelling.

Having said that...All of the above-mentioned key positions in film-making, are without a trace of doubt...MASTERFUL!

I was literally blown away by the subtle and nuanced choices the Director/editor made to tell this story!

This story could have been about anywhere, and anytime...it is the classic story of human conflict that spans recorded history, and is still equally present or relevant today. The choice to make a film set in Malta, with its beauty and rich history, and the fact that Malta's example sparked future rebellions in other colonized countries, was the perfect choice.

Respect to Malta, respect to all the players who helped to make this masterwork of storytelling. It brought me to tears...not because of the troubling and painful history being depicted, but for the sheer power and illumination that great storytelling can, and in the case of 'Blood on the Crown'...absolutely, does possess.

A must see... A must feel... Simply a must.

P.s. through the entire film i was wondering how I knew, but couldn't remember, who one of the actors was...until i saw the credits...Mr. Keitel...your back baby!!!