Tale of Tales
Director: Matteo Garrone
Actors: Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, Toby Jones
PlotIn a fantastical kingdom, three interwoven narratives unfold, each centered around different rulers and their peculiar obsessions. The first story follows a queen whose desperate longing for a child leads her to take drastic and magical steps, resulting in unforeseen consequences that ripple through her court. Meanwhile, a lascivious king becomes consumed by desire after hearing the singing of a mysterious maiden and pursues her at great personal risk, unwittingly setting off a chain of bizarre events that challenge his hedonistic lifestyle. Concurrently, another monarch focuses his attentions on a pet flea that grows to an alarming size, diverting his responsibilities from his daughter who is left to fend for herself in a dangerous and unpredictable realm.
These stories run parallel, weaving elements of dark fantasy, grotesque humor, and moral lessons through their unique plots. The queen's twisted path to motherhood brings new life but also deep sacrifices, blending enchantment with grim realities. The lust-driven king's infatuation leads him into surreal encounters that blur the lines between desire and delusion. The final tale of the neglected princess offers a poignant look at her resilience as she overcomes an array of monstrous and magical obstacles. Each segment explores themes of power, vanity, and the unpredictable falls that accompany the pursuit of one's deepest desires.
Writers: Edoardo Albinati, Ugo Chiti, Matteo Garrone
Release Date: 22 Apr 2016
Runtime: 134 min
Rating: R
Country: Italy, France, United Kingdom
Language: English, Russian
Home Video Reviews
Tale of Tales is a visually stunning but uneven film with standout performances, particularly from Hayek, in an outstanding Blu-ray release by Shout Factory.
Read our review of Tale of Tales Blu-ray to find out more