The Moment of Truth
Director: Francesco Rosi
Actors: Miguel Mateo 'Miguelín', José Gómez Sevillano, Pedro Basauri 'Pedrucho'
PlotA young man from a rural background in Spain, driven by poverty and the desire to rise above his humble origins, decides to pursue a career as a bullfighter. Leaving his village behind, he moves to the city where he begins training under the guidance of seasoned matadors and immerses himself in the rigorous and dangerous world of bullfighting. Despite the hardships and the ever-present threat of injury, he relentlessly strives to make a name for himself in the bullrings. The vibrancy of the bullfighting culture, the adoration of the crowds, and the glory of success start to become tangible as he ascends through the ranks.
As he gains notoriety, the trappings of fame and the pressure to perform escalate, placing strain on his personal relationships and mental well-being. He is seduced by the allure of celebrity but simultaneously haunted by the brutal realities of the sport and the mortal danger he faces every time he steps into the arena. Conflicted between his love for the craft and the physical and emotional toll it demands, the matador navigates a path marked by moments of triumph and visceral encounters with mortality. His journey encapsulates the profound sacrifices and existential dilemmas inherent to the life of a bullfighter, ultimately revealing the true costs of his quest for glory and heroism.
Writers: Pedro Beltrán, Ricardo Muñoz Suay, Pere Portabella
Release Date: 03 Mar 1965
Runtime: 103 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Italy, Spain
Language: Italian, English
Home Video Reviews
Francesco Rosi's The Moment of Truth is an exhilarating, brutal masterpiece of bullfighting cinema, though the Criterion Blu-ray suffers from video and audio shortcomings.
Read our review of The Moment of Truth Blu-ray Il momento della verit� to find out more