Is The Marriage of Figaro Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1975)

📖 The Core Premise

The Marriage of Figaro returns to the screen in 1975, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy, Music 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. "Mozart's Marriage of Figaro is a comedy whose dark undertones explore the blurred boundaries between dying feudalism and emerging Enlightenment. Herman Prey's Figaro is admirably sung in a firm baritone and aptly characterized. So too, is his antagonist, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau as the Count perpetually frustrated by the scheming wiles of Figaro and Susanna, here the perky Mirella Freni, who sings and acts like a dream. The Countess is creamy-voiced Kiri Te Kanawa, and the Cherubino, Maria Ewing, looks just like the horny, teenaged page she's supposed to be. The all-star leads are complemented by worthy supporting singers, the Vienna Philharmonic at the top of its form, and the experienced Mozartian, Karl Böhm conducting a stylishly fleet performance."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Hermann Prey's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Marriage of Figaro worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, 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, The Marriage of Figaro is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 181 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.