Time to Kill (1989)

1936, Italian army is invading Ethiopia. Lieutenant Silvestri suffering toothache decides to reach the nearest camp hospital. But the lorry has an accident and stop near a rock, so ... See full summary »

Director:

Giuliano Montaldo

Writers:

Ennio Flaiano (novel), Giuliano Montaldo

Stars:

Nicolas Cage, Ricky Tognazzi, Patrice-Flora Praxo

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Nicolas Cage	...	Enrico Silvestri
Ricky Tognazzi	...	Mario
Patrice-Flora Praxo	...	Mariam
Gianluca Favilla	...	Army Driver
Georges Claisse	...	Doctor
Robert Liensol	...	Joannes
Vittorio Amandola
Pao Pei Andreoli	...	Troops' Mascot
Mario Mazzarotto	...	Army Clerk
Michele Melega	...	Blonde Worker
Franco Trevisi	...	Segeant
Giancarlo Giannini	...	Major

Storyline

1936, Italian army is invading Ethiopia. Lieutenant Silvestri suffering toothache decides to reach the nearest camp hospital. But the lorry has an accident and stop near a rock, so Silvestri continues by walk. On his way he meets and rapes a wonderful young Ethiopian. He also wounds her when he shot at a wild animal, and later kills her to avoid further pain. When he finally reaches the hospital, he realizes he has leprosy. Trying to escape from Ethiopia Silvestri will kill again. But the surprises aren't over.

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Plot Keywords:

interracial rape | rape and murder | befriending one's enemy | ethiopian | topless female nudity | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian English

Release Date:

27 October 1989 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Time to Kill

Filming Locations:

Desierto de Tabernas, Almería, Andalucía, Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

DMV Distribuzione, Dania Film, Ellepi Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3 Full Frame

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in Zimbabwe.

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Alternate Versions

The UK video version was cut by 17 secs by the BBFC to remove a scene where a lit cigarette is placed into a lizard's mouth.

User Reviews

Tempo Di Uccidere

Tempo Di Uccidere (Time To Kill) by Guiliano Montaldo is a bit of a strange film, but it's good in it's own way.

I won't bother with a summary of the plot. Most that I've read gives the wrong impression and makes me believe that most people who wrote those didn't really understand the film. And you need to understand it to some level, even if you cannot describe for yourself what it's actually about. This film is strange in a "Once Upon a Time in America" way- only shorter.

Many 'Hollywood' stars (whatever that may mean...) have played in lesser known Italian productions. It's known that many actors who are past their prime or slowly rising to it do this. Cage was not yet a real star when this was made. I'm not a fan of him. He's very good in some roles (Raising Arizona, Bringing out the Dead) and weak when he plays the hero. I don't really know what to think of him in this one, but he sure doesn't portray the typical hero main character. This film could have done without him, but the fact that he starred may be the only reason this one ever made it to DVD.

The supporting cast is good. Not one of them looks fake and they act as if they are really there. Solid support.

I have seen 3 films by Montaldo (Marco Polo, Sacco&Vanzetti and this one) and I think he is one of the greater directors of this time. Unfortunately, nobody knows him. This movie was his last in a long time (a break of 19 years). I think that this movie might have failed at the office, but from the way it is done I think that for Montaldo it was a personal project that he really liked.

The production is great. It's always enough. The dusty army camps, the claustophobic cities and the magnificent landscape all play a great part. It all feels very real. In some scenes you can almost feel the heat. The sound itself is nothing special, but the music by Ennio Morricone is very good. It's not a piece that you will whistle when in the shower, but it sure works great.

So this movie looks, feels and sounds just right. It doesn't serve the lessons learned from it on a golden platter, but that may be the biggest difference between Hollywood and euro-cinema all around. It might sound strange to give it an 8 and not recommend it to people, but that is what I do. If you are looking for action; avoid this one! If you are looking for a well made Apocalypse Now in a different time and setting, but with a bit of similar journey into a 'state of mind'(sorry if this sound corny but I don't know what else to call it) you just might enjoy this one a lot.