L'armata Brancaleone

Plot synopsis:
The movie opens with a small Italian village being stormed by a band of Hungarian pillagers. When the murders and rapes are over, a German knight arrives and bravely kills the bandits. However, as he is healing his wounds he is attacked by two of the surviving villagers and one of the thieves. They throw the wounded knight into a river.
The attackers try to sell the knight's armor and weapons to a miserly Jewish merchant who finds among his belongings a letter of donation by the Holy Roman Emperor, granting the knight the fief of Aurocastro, an Apulian town. The parchment is torn at the lower end, which refers to a condition the knight must fulfill to enjoy the donation.
The Hungarian bandit comes up with the idea to propose a partnership to a cadet nobleman, so the group can take possession of the aforementioned fief and enjoy its riches. The knight they find is the poor and incompetent, yet well-meaning, Brancaleone da Norcia and they tell him that a noble knight handed them the parchment before dying. Brancaleone initially refuses the plan but after a farcical defeat at a jousting tournament that promised the hand of an overlord's daughter and a wealthy fief, he is too eager to take command of this "army" (L'Armata) of underdogs and lead it towards "fortune" and "glory", in what he sees as an epic journey.
As they set up towards the fief, Brancaleone lives several grotesque adventures, inspired by the confused and cosmopolitan world of Italy during Middle Ages; each one of them more hilarious than the last. These include:
a Byzantine knight, Teofilatto dei Leonzi (Gian Maria Volontè), who proposes to fake his capture by the band so they can demand and share a ransom from his father;
a city seemingly abandoned, which they begin to pillage, until they find out that it was depopulated by plague;
a fanatical mad monk, Zenone (Enrico Maria Salerno), who promises that those who join his army of Crusaders will be "healed" from all ills, having the band follow him to a crusade in the Holy Land. When trying to convince his followers to cross a precarious bridge by leaping upon it (crying out loud that the Lord would protect them), the monk falls down into a deep gorge - this releases the band to follow their previous quest;
the saving of a bride named Matelda (Catherine Spaak), who falls in love with Brancaleone, but is rejected by him due to his oath to take her to her groom; to Brancaleone's misfortune, she avenges herself by losing her virginity to the Byzantine knight (by then a member of the gang); later, while the 'army' is relaxing at her nuptial feast her husband finds out about her state and she accuses Brancaleone of deflowering her.
giving in to Teofilatto's plan the army arrives at his father's castle to demand a ransom. His father refuses to pay, revealing that Teofilatto is his illegitimate child; meanwhile Brancaleone has to fend off the sadomasochistically-fueled passion of Teofilatto's aunt, just one example of the cross-bred, decadent Byzantine household.
When finally the band reaches the fief, they discover that the missing part of the parchment mentioned that condition for the granting of the fief was that its new ruler should have provided adequate defences against the "black scourge coming from the sea", frequent raids by Saracen corsairs. Brancaleone designs a cartoonish Rube Goldberesque trap to defeat the Saracens, but instead the band ends up trapped in it. As the band is about to be executed by impalement, it is saved by the knight of the opening scenes, the rightful owner of the fief, thirsty for vengeance against his attackers.
Brancaleone (who did not know about the attack on the knight) and his army are about to be burned alive when the mad monk arrives out of the blue and saves them from the knight, "so they can fulfill their duty to go onto the Holy Land". Being deprived of his dreams of richness, Brancaleone-Gassman and his band agree to go along with the monk and his followers, saving themselves. Albeit sad, when he finds his untrustworthy horse, Brancaleone mounts and regains his confidence, taking the lead from the monk. The story is continued in a follow-on film, Brancaleone alle Crociate (1970).

Tags: cult

Review:
Surrealistic medieval comedy: a masterpiece.
It is difficult to export this movie outside Italy, in particular because much of the amusement lies in the funny language used, a mix of italian dialects and mock middle-age latin.
Anyway, it would be yet a good choice for everyone.
It may remember Monthy python's 'Holy Grail', as a surrealistic medieval comedy.
Only, this is way better.
It is no surprise, considering that we have two great authors, a great director, and a group a great actors.
And the word 'great' is no exaggeration!
If you ever get a chance to see it, don't miss it, because it's unique..
Masterpiece of linguistic humour.
I take the risk of annoying most people but it must be said: in order to get the full flavour of the fun in this movie you should have a really good knowledge of the Italian language, and view the film in original.
It is hard even for an Italian to understand some of the dialogues, while they rapidly switch from Gassman's impeccable proto-Italian with strong Latin influences (spoken in such a serious manner as to result irresistibly comic), to Abacuc's Jewish version thereof, to the other characters' strong rural poor-man's accent.In this movie, and in the delectable sequel "Brancaleone alle Crociate", Gassman is at the top of his skill as an actor.
This is somehow like acting the "Fifteen Minutes Hamlet" without even remotely smiling, but giving a serious, professional performance.
Only someone who is truly great can do the buffoon like this without appearing histrionic, or ridiculous..
Branca Branca Branca - Unforgettable Movie!.
I have seen this movie when it first came out in Germany in a dubbed version.
I went back several times I liked it so much, great comedy, great acting and entertainment.
After all this years I started searching on the web, because nobody in America seems to have ever heard of this movie.
So far I only found an old German dubbed copy, but I look forward to finally see the original version.
I have seen many movies in my time, but Brancaleone seems to always come to my mind when I think of comedy and middle ages.
The Monty Python can not reach this one..
A little known masterpiece.
"L'Armata Brancaleone" is an absolute comedy masterpiece.
Its surreal medieval world is incredibly deep and funny.
The story is summarized here at IMDB, so it's not necessary to repeat it.
The main comic device is based on the contrast between the heroic world that the charachters try to master (paladins, knights' tournaments, kings etc) and their actual miserable conditions.
The only problem with this movie for non-italian speakers is the language: the authors re-created a mock medieval language (using ancient italian, latin and italian dialects) which is absolutely flamboyant.
This particular language (very difficult to understand if you're not italian native speaker) and Vittorio Gassman make this movie one of the best comedies of the 20th century.
Thanks to Mario Monicelli, the great film director..
absolute fun.
Ok, the italian comedy of the `50s and `60s is one of the best in the world.
I say this not only because I am italian but because it`s true.
Just rent or buy the movies of directors such as Pietro Germi, Dino Risi, Steno and of course Mario Monicelli.
L`Armata Brancaleone is one of the best comedies ever because of the script, the gags, the language (a very funny mix of ancient italian and latin, I don`t know how the translation could work) and the actors, first of all Gassman, the protagonist, that Monicelli `discovered` as a comic character in `I soliti ignoti` (before that Gassman played almost exclusively drama plays).
Even the representation of the Middle Age seems to me (a non-expert in history) quite accurate: see for example the prophet who guides the people towards the Crusade (an incredible Gian Maria Volonte`).
Another gem of italian comedy, a must-see for everyone..
Branca!.
Branca!.
Branca!.
Ok, this movie is very funny, really.
There are great jokes, a lot of gags and pure nonsense.
The characters are unforgettable and the reconstitution of Middle Age is impressive.
Unfortunately, it's an unknown (in the USA) masterpiece of Mario Monicelli and there are another Medieval Comedy's movies more famous, like Monty Phyton and the Holy Grail.
But, if you will have a chance to watch "L'Armata Brancaleone" (The Incredible Army of Brancaleone), don't miss because it's really good..
One of the Funniest Comedies of the Cinema.
In the Middle Ages, a group of marauders pillage a scroll from the fearful and dangerous Arnolfo Mano-di-Ferro (Alfio Caltabiano) that grants to its owner the property of Aurocastro, a wealthy land with grapevines and cattle.
They seek out a knight to claim the real estate and share with them.
When they meet the ruined Brancaleone da Norcia (Vittorio Gassman), he accepts to be their leader and they travel to the land.
Along their journey, Brancaleone defeats the nobleman Teofilatto dei Leonzi (Gian Maria Volonté) that joins his army.
Then they head to the Holy Land with the preacher Zenone (Enrico Maria Salerno), but while crossing a bridge, their friend Pecoro (Folco Lulli) falls off in the river and vanishes.
When Zenone falls in a abyss, they travel to Aurocastro again.
Then they rescue the damsel Matelda (Catherine Spaak) and Brancaleone promises to her tutor to protect her virtue for her fiancé and receives one hundred golden coins.
However, Teofilatto has one night stand with the maid and Brancaleone is imprisoned in the castle of her fiancé.
Brancaleone and his clumsy army get in many troubles until they reach Aurocastro.
But their adventure has not finished yet.
"L'Armata Brancaleone" is one of the funniest comedies of the cinema.
The last time I had seen this film was on 27 February 2000, and with the death of Mario Monicelli yesterday, I have decided to see the clumsy Brancaleone and his army again.
The story is very well developed with hilarious situations and Vittorio Gassman has a magnificent performance in the role of the the anti-hero Brancaleone.
The screenplay presents the most different situations in the environment of the Middle-Ages and the hero always gets in trouble despite his perfect planning.
I did not recognize Gian Maria Volonté in the role of Teofilatto dei Leonzi.
My vote is nine.Title (Brazil): "O Incrível Exército de Brancaleone" ("The Incredible Army of Brancaleone").
One of the greatest comic movies of the talkies..
Thanks to the french-speaking TV networks of my country (Canada), I litterally grew up with commedia all'italiana - Italy's crazy explosion of satirical comedies (1955-1980).
Soon the "quartet of monsters" - Gassman, Manfredi, Sordi, Tognazzi - became my favourite comic stars.
But when it comes to L'Armata Brancaleone, it is only two years ago that I finally found this movie, after a decade and a half of frentic research.
The old Italian guy who sold me the (used) videocassette for 50 $ thinks he outsmarted me.
Even for a 1000 $, it would still be a bargain!
For L'Armata Brancaleone is no less than a miracle of comic invention.
The visceral power of this farce defies any superlatives I could find.
Vittorio Gassman's performance as Brancaleone can only be compared to the greatest comics of the century.
For their work on this film, scripters Age & Scarpelli, director Mario Monicelli and the whole team down to the most humble go-fer would deserve an enormous trophy..
An obscure gem, well worth discovering..
This rare film is now available on a Brazilian DVD, which the earlier comments here convinced me was worth getting.
I've just watched it, and it is a joy!
The earlier commentators are right on the mark in their comparisons to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," in that it is an episodic, stylishly-realized, broad medieval comedy concerning a motley group of protagonists on a quest.
Unlike the Monty Python film, however, this one never deviates from the story line and the actors never break character.
It is also not quite as fully anarchic as the Python film.
There is, in fact, a very touching death scene near the end of the film.
Superbly paced, it seemed to me that there were no weak spots or comedic lulls.
The poorly-translated English subtitles on my DVD were often very funny in their own right (unintentionally, I'm sure).
But even though I don't understand Italian and missed some of the linguistic humor mentioned here, I still got a great deal of enjoyment out of it.
The look of the film is fascinating, particularly some scenes in which the costuming, makeup, and set design evoke Fellini at his weirdest.
Also, the use of the spectacular Italian countryside and old villages is outstanding.
It's a privilege to have discovered this rare film, and I am thankful to the earlier commentators for helping bring it to my attention.
That's one of the great advantages of visiting the IMDb..
Leone, Leone, Leone!.
I watched this movie as a 12 year old in Brazil, and loved it --  the "branca, branca, branca, leone, leone, leone!" stuck with me all these years...
When I saw the Monty Python's Holy Grail I thought it was not as good as good old Brancaleone, but I was never able to watch it again in the US.I'm now 28 and studying medieval romance language literature and would love to watch it again.
I understand that L'armata Brancaleone is loosely based on Don Quixote.
Does anyone know whether the movie is available in the US?.
The silly side of chivalry....
A comedic masterpiece in the picaresque tradition of Don Quixote, it features Vittorio Gassman as a moronic but sincere knight errant who assembles a threadbare army of nitwits consisting of a pubescent boy, a nonagenarian Jew merchant, a bastard in exile, a scraggly thief, and an overlarge village dullard.
Brancaleone's steed Acquilante brays like an ass and has the contrariness of a mule in many funny sequences.
With great expectations they set about seeking their fortune with many diversions along the way in a marvelous succession of superbly realized medieval scenarios.
The ambiance of this film is more convincing than many other more sober and better known works set in this period.
It captures not only the grandeur of the period, but also the filth with many a sly dig and lots of gusto.
Gassman stays incredibly straight-faced throughout all the craziness.
Volante as the Byzantine exile, and Steele as his bizarre Aunt are standouts.
The truly picaresque spirit of the piece is brilliant..
A Gem of Style.
I had the distinct good fortune to see L'ARMATA BRANCALEONE at the UCLA Film Archive many years ago, back in the Eighties.
Barbara Steele is breathlessly at her best form in the Gassman/S & M fantasy sequences where the two go about lashing each other with whips.
"Frustami" was a word used many times.
Her costumes were sensational and it's worth a look just for this segment alone.
Sexy!
Steele!
Don't miss an opportunity to see this: it is rare as dragon's teeth.
Another feather in the cap of all the UCLA film people and its Italian Department!.
well, a local essay cinema showed this movie today.
i saw it the last time maybe 15 years ago, and the movie is more than 40 years old.
a masterpiece.
a masterpiece.
the Italian spoken is so overwhelmingly old, it took me 10 minutes to get into it - and i'm Italian.
in fact, i once saw an interview with the authors saying that it took them very long to sort out the exact language.
i wonder what happens when it gets translated.
for 2007 times it's slightly slowish, but it got me laughing on the floor more than a couple of times, something that didn't happen to me in a theater in a looooong time.
some of the initlai sequences set a standard for amazing comedy.
a superbly crafted movie.
monicelli is great, gassman and the cast are fabulous.
hats off..
A gem that inspired the Holy Grail.
I saw this film in an Algerian cinema in 1967 - it was dubbed in French (so the cod-Latin/Italian invented language was lost on me) and I think I was the only person laughing.
It was a cinema in Constantine (east Algeria) - well before any religious unpleasantness which would account for there being some people buying tickets.
I believe it was the inspiration for The Holy Grail.
I thought it was a complete spoof, little realising, until I returned to England, that there was a whole "genre" I knew nothing about.
A "genre" that seemed to be taking itself seriously when in the hands of Leone.
Someone, please, tell me there is a DVD available..
A real comedy.
"L'armata Brancaleone" was made at the time of Italian cinema's triumphs, when Italy could boast some excellent directors and well-known actors.
There's one simple reason why this movie is still loved by young generations: it's a real comedy, hilarious without being trivial, and it can rely on a couple of ingenious tricks, such as the language and the setting.
The characters speak a funny pseudo-ancient Italian crammed with Latin words and solemn sentences, and maybe some quotations from "La Divina Commedia" by Dante Alighieri (the name Matelda and her character played by the gorgeous Catherine Spaak).
And what about the setting?
A wild Medieval Italy, with uncontaminated natural sceneries, castles and towns infested by pestilences.
Kudos to the actors, everybody is perfect in his/her own role, from Vittorio Gassman and Gian Maria Volonté to the supporting roles, and of course to the director Mario Monicelli, amalgamating all with his personal touch..
One of the BEST MOVIES EVER!!!.
Well, i first saw this movie when i was an 8 years old kid, and boy, this movie really made an impression in me.
I remember our TV set was an old Phillips 550, a B&W TV set, a valve model( a transistor TV set?, no...
It was too expensive then).
And, i could never forget it.
The movie is perfect, the wardrobe, the scenery, the acting...
Well, you see, they don't take their roles too seriously(except for Gassman, but, it's intentional), and this shows a face of history that, could have happened...
No heroism (well, a little...) and the rest, cynicism and many conflicts of interests(each one is trying to have his piece of the cake, in this case, the fortified city and it's treasures) Thank god it was released in DVD, here in my country.
And here's an advice: Go get yours.
You won't regret.
It is an ageless movie, that is near forty now, and, does not lose it's impact..
A Pearl.
this movie is a pearl of comedy and wisdom, I encourage everybody to see it if not for the wonderful middle age reconstitution then for the performance of Vittorio Gassman.The theme of crusades is happily approached and the story itself is quite exciting..
unforgettable.
"Branca,branca,branca - Leon,Leon,Leon...Brancaleone da norcha..."Unforgettable...
I have seen this film almost 35 years ago and I cannot forget it,and the acting of Gian Maria Volonte.Unfortunately,nowadays it seems impossible to see this movie again.I searched the web for a photo of Gian Maria and found nothing but 2 or 3 photos.This great actor should have a gallery of photos.I would not hesitate to compare this film to Don Quixode and in my own opinion rate it even higher.
According to me this film is a world classic and should be available for everyone to see.
Using nowadays technology this should be no problem..
Really boring!.
The film does not deserve 8 stars, I've watched it again after many years and found it outdated, without salt and pepper, boring.
And all this despite the fact that the director is the great Mario Monicelli, and in the distribution there are two giants of all time, Gian Maria Volontè and Vittorio Gassman, plus a shorter appearance of the great Enrico Maria Salerno and the very beautiful and very talented Catherine Spaak.
The only original and a little bit funny scene is with the bear with whom the "disappeared" Folco Lulli has joined.