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Tale of Tales
Il racconto dei racconti
2015 134 min United Kingdom, Italy, France R 18+
★6.9
Romance, Fantasy, Horror
Director: Matteo Garrone
🎭 Based on
«Pentamerone»
byGiambattista Basile
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
The Queen of Selvascura risks everything to be a mother; the King of Roccaforte falls in love with the voice of a mysterious girl; the King of Altomonte becomes obsessed with a flea and neglects his daughter.
Budget:
$12M
US Gross:
$118,925
Worldwide:
$5.5M
Starring
Salma Hayek
Actor
Vincent Cassel
Actor
Toby Jones
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2015
— Palme d'Or
Key opinion
Tale of Tales is a visually arresting, baroque anthology that leans into the grotesque and dark origins of classic folklore to explore human obsession. While critics widely praise its production design and commitment to a somber, stylistic vision, audiences are divided on its fragmented narrative structure and leisurely, sometimes detached pacing.
| Production | The production design and aesthetic choices masterfully utilize stark, painterly contrasts to evoke a grim, immersive medieval atmosphere. | |
| Theme | The film succeeds as a thematic exploration of human vices, effectively portraying fairy tales as deep psychological and moral warnings. | |
| Acting | The ensemble cast, led by Salma Hayek, delivers committed performances that ground the film's absurd and surreal elements. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is polarizing; admirers appreciate the contemplative, leisurely tempo, while others find the narrative inert and lacking urgency. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided; supporters value its adherence to archaic, cynical folklore traditions, whereas critics argue the characters are underdeveloped and the plot lacks a compelling, cohesive drive. |