Is Romola Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1924)

📖 The Core Premise

Romola returns to the screen in 1924, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, History genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In Renaissance Florence, a Florentine trader meets a shipwrecked stranger, who introduces himself as Tito Melema, a young Italianate-Greek scholar. Tito becomes acquainted with several other Florentines, including Nello the barber and a young girl named Tessa. He is also introduced to a blind scholar named Bardo de' Bardi, and his daughter Romola. As Tito becomes settled in Florence, assisting Bardo with classical studies, he falls in love with Romola."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Lillian Gish does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Romola worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, History films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Romola is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 106 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.