Secret Passage (2004)

Isabel and Clara are growing up in a time of terror. It is 1492, and Spain has decreed that all Jews must either convert to Catholicism, go into exile or face trial and execution. Although ... See full summary »

Director:

Ademir Kenovic

Writers:

Olivier Bonas, Ademir Kenovic

Stars:

John Turturro, Katherine Borowitz, Tara Fitzgerald

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Turturro	...	Paolo Zane
Katherine Borowitz	...	Isabel
Tara Fitzgerald	...	Clara
Hannah Taylor Gordon	...	Victoria
Anton Rodgers	...	Foscari
Ronald Pickup	...	Da Monte
Richard Harrington	...	Joseph
Seymour Matthews	...	Ruben
Marc Pickering	...	Andrea Zane
Carmen Sorrenti	...	Francesca
Adam Kotz	...	Inquisitor
Alessandra Costanzo	...	Maid Benviniste
Mustafa Nadarevic	...	Foscari's Informant
Frank Baker	...	Don Benveniste
Marianne Borgo	...	Donna Benveniste

Storyline

Isabel and Clara are growing up in a time of terror. It is 1492, and Spain has decreed that all Jews must either convert to Catholicism, go into exile or face trial and execution. Although forcibly baptized, the sisters are chased through Christendom until they arrive in Venice. It is in this great maritime empire, where opulence rhymes with tolerance, that Isabel organizes secret passages for refugees fleeing the Inquisition while Clara falls in love with a Venetian noble, Paolo Zane. Isabel intends for her family to go to Istanbul, the only place where Jews can live freely, but Clara is reluctant to leave. She challenges Isabel's authority and is prepared to break her family ties and sacrifice her faith for love. Caught in this battle of wills is Clara's daughter, Victoria, who finds she is about to be married into the same faith that murdered her father.

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Plot Keywords:

spain | italy | forced baptism | anti semitism | spanish inquisition | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Italy Luxembourg Portugal

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 May 2003 (France)

Also Known As:

Passagem Secreta

Filming Locations:

Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

C.R.G. International, Delux Productions, Zephyr Films

Did You Know?

Goofs

Prince Ruperts Drops appears in the film, despite Prince Rupert of the Rhine not being born for another 120 years.

User Reviews

Artistic triumph

I had never heard of Ademir Kenovic before this movie, but I was stunned by his abilities. It's possible to pause this fim in hundreds of places to see a masterwork painting in the framing, composition and scenery.

The credits list a battalion of those involved in the scenery, costumes and technical support needed for such a costume drama and no wonder. My main criticism is that, perhaps for reasons of the actors' vanity, frequently the characters did not wear hats or headgear, as they would have done in the 15th century and also often appeared casually dressed in what would have been a very formal society.

The story line is sufficiently complex to hold the attention without being overly convoluted, dealing essentially with the basics of human relationships and fate. The dialogue is sharp and the actors all did a good job.

Very reminiscent of BBC historical drama at its best, with the added bonus of such a talented Bosnian director.