The Unknown Woman (2006)

Haunted by a horrible past, a Ukrainian young woman calculatedly insinuates herself into the life of a rich Italian family.

Director:

Giuseppe Tornatore

Writers:

Giuseppe Tornatore (story), Giuseppe Tornatore (screenplay)

Stars:

Kseniya Rappoport, Michele Placido, Claudia Gerini

20 wins & 26 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kseniya Rappoport	...	Irena (as Ksenia Rappoport)
Michele Placido	...	Muffa
Claudia Gerini	...	Valeria Adacher
Piera Degli Esposti	...	Gina
Alessandro Haber	...	Matteo
Clara Dossena	...	Tea Adacher
Ángela Molina	...	Lucrezia (as Angela Molina)
Margherita Buy	...	Avvocato Irena
Pierfrancesco Favino	...	Donato Adacher
Nicola Di Pinto	...	Magistrato
Paolo Elmo	...	Nello
Simona Nobili	...	Poliziotta
Elisa Morucci	...	Cameriera
Giulia Di Quilio	...	Segretaria
Pino Calabrese	...	Magistrato

Storyline

A Ukrainian woman named Irena calculatedly insinuates herself into the lives of a young, affluent Italian family. Stopping at nothing to become the couple's trusted maid and the beloved nanny to their fragile young daughter, Irena risks everything in her quest to uncover the truth about the family. Like an intricately constructed jigsaw puzzle, The Unknown Woman reveals piece by piece the enigma of Irena's past.

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Plot Keywords:

dark past | maid | female in a shower | full frontal nudity | female full frontal nudity | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some disturbing violent content involving rape and torture, graphic nudity, sexuality and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [United States]

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian Ukrainian

Release Date:

20 October 2006 (Italy)

Also Known As:

The Unknown Woman

Filming Locations:

Papigno, Terni, Umbria, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

€8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,569, 6 April 2008, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$18,569, 6 April 2008

Company Credits

Production Co:

Medusa Film, Manigolda Film, Sky

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Russian actress Kseniya Rappoport didn't speak Italian when she was cast in the leading role. She gradually learned the language in the few months of shooting.

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Connections

References Oliver Twist (2005)

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Soundtracks

Giorgia On My Mind
Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell
Performed by The Band
Courtesy of EMI Music Italy

User Reviews

One of the best Italian movies ever

I rented this film without big expectations but it turned out a real surprise and I kept thinking about it for many days afterwards. Each and every actor/actress is great in their role, even the child playing Tea. The story is original, brutal and moving. The location is somewhere nowadays in northern Italy and the affluent Italian middle-class is shown as cold, busy, and not ready to easily accept and integrate foreigner workers. Irena (main character) finds her way in such complex society for a purpose not easy to guess... If you like well crafted drama with a surprising and touching end, this film is definitely for you. 10/10