Is Rossini: Armida Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2010)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Rossini: Armida (2010), audiences are invited back into the world of Music. 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. "It is a rare opera indeed that calls for one soprano diva and no fewer than six tenors. Mary Zimmerman’s fanciful production of Rossini’s drama, designed by Richard Hudson and with choreography by Graciela Daniele, provides the perfect setting for superstar Renée Fleming’s captivating performance of the title role. A beautiful but evil sorceress in the times of the Crusades, Armida sets out to regain the love of the Frankish knight Rinaldo (Lawrence Brownlee) by putting her magical spells on him. She at first succeeds to draw him into her web of sorcery, but ultimately divine intervention—and his fellow soldiers—free Rinaldo from his enchantment—much to the vengeful fury of Armida and her demons."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Rossini: Armida, even the presence of Renée Fleming struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Rossini: Armida worth your time? If you appreciate Music films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Rossini: Armida misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 171 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.