Socrates (1971)

A false accusation leads the philosopher Socrates to trial and condemnation in 4th century BC Athens.

Director:

Roberto Rossellini

Writers:

Roberto Rossellini (treatment), Maria Grazia Bornigia (treatment)

Stars:

Jean Sylvère, Anne Caprile, Giuseppe Mannajuolo

Cast

Credited cast:
Jean Sylvère	...	Socrate
Anne Caprile	...	Santippe (as Anna Caprile)
Giuseppe Mannajuolo	...	Apollodoro (as Bepy Mannaiuolo)
Ricardo Palacios	...	Critone
Elio Seraffini	...	Prete
Julio Morales	...	Antistene
Emilio Miguel Hernández	...	Meleto
Emilio Hernández Blanco	...	Ipperide
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Paco Catalá	...	Lisyas

Storyline

A false accusation leads the philosopher Socrates to trial and condemnation in 4th century BC Athens.

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Plot Keywords:

deathbed | hemlock | death by poison | self defense plea | moral corruption | 

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Genres:

Biography | History

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Details

Country:

Italy Spain France

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

17 June 1971 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Socrates

Filming Locations:

Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

Orizzonte 2000,RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana,Televisión Española (TVE)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min (Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Cebete: I fear, Socrates, the the soul once it leaves the body will also cease to live.
Socrate: Tell me, Cebes, who gives life to the body?
Cebete: The soul.
Socrate: And is that always the case?
Cebete: Undoubtably.
Socrate: And the soul that gives life to the body is it always a giver of life?
Cebete: Yes.
Socrate: And does life have an opposite or is the opposite of life nothing?
Cebete: Life has an opposite, which is death.
Socrate: The soul therefore cannot receive death, which is the opposite of this life, of which it is the source. And what do we call those beings that ...
[...]

User Reviews

This made for television film by Roberto Rossellini is a good introduction to Greek philosopher Socrates.

Apart from his feature films,Italian director Roberto Rossellini was famous for some of his films which were made for television.It was in these films that he told the stories of some of the greatest philosophers who took birth on earth. Among these films one can mention the names of films about Blaise Pascal,Saint Augustine,René Descartes and Socrates.The film 'Socrates' is not a biography per se.It does not show all the important events which took place in the life of Socrates.It is an important film not only for viewers of cinema and television but also for admirers of philosophy.As a filmmaker,apart from 'Socrates', Rossellini reveals a lot about the times in which the great philosopher flourished.One gets to see the state of Athens when Socrates was condemned.The film 'Socrates' was not shot in Greece but most viewers wouldn't be able to recognize that the locations used in the film are in Spain.Locations are of less importance if the cast is good.This is one reason why actor Jean Sylvère has done a great job.He is perfect in his role as 'Socrates'.He looks so convincing as if the real Greek philosopher is in our midst.This is one of the main points of this film.