Before he came to Polish television “Kevin alone at home”, in the 1990s an ideal film on Saturday or Sunday morning was the Italian series “Fantaghiro”. Everything was here: princesses, villains, dragons, knights, duels, even talking stone, goose and mouse. “Fantaghiro” ignited the imagination.
“Fantaghiro” – Italian fairy tale was created in “our” region
The plot of the television series “Fantaghiro” got complicated with its development. Initially, Lamberto Bava assumed that it would end up in one film – the success was not sure at all, in the 1990s the European cinema had problems because it competed with Hollywood films with much larger budgets. For this reason based on a folk tale from the 19th century “Fantaghiro” went to television immediately.
The story of the princess, who in a male disguise fights for the fate of her kingdom, was created in well -known places. The castles, which Italians saw first on TV screens, Poles recognize without problems. This is Lednice, Perstejn Castle, Buzova Castle – then belonging to Czechoslovakia. It was only in the fourth part that the film already earned so much that the shooting plan was first transferred to Thailand and then to Cuba. Changing the scenery did not help. Planned for seven parts “Fantaghiro” recorded a strong decrease in popularity – the sixth and seventh film was never shot.
The premiere of “Fantaghiro” was the director’s triumph. He gathered over 6.5 million viewers in front of the TVs. He was a breakthrough in his career, among others Kim Rossi Stuart, playing beautiful Romualdo. But the main star was Alessandra Martines. Martines played in all five television films. As for those times and television budget, viewers could impress the exceptionally efficient special effects and wonderful beauty costumes. Although “only” television, “Fantaghiro” could compete with “Willow” or “Endless Tale”. Production was also quickly described as “iconic” – Italians are still sitting to watch Fantaghiro adventures at Christmas.
As for those times, “Fantaghiro” also stood in contrast to classic Disney animations. Here, the princess was not saved by the handsome on a horse. Fantaghiro as one of the few girls at the time took the initiative, and although of course she fell in love without memory at the end, She did not hesitate to fight for her kingdom in her hand. A passive waiting for the hero did not lie in her nature:
Fantaghiro is great because she is at the same time feminine and masculine. She is a friend, partner, solves, but also creates problems – the screenwriter of the film, Gianni Romoli, was delighted years ago.
What’s up with the cast “Fantaghiro” after years?
Alessandra Martines in the 1990s divided her life between Italy and France – she is related to Carla Bruni. In her filmography after “Fantaghiro” one surname dominates – Claude Lelouch. The French director filled Martines in most of his films, he was also her first older husband, much than her. Martines has not appeared in movies or series for several yearsin the press is mainly written about her relationship with many younger partner.
Kim Rossi Stuart could play in “Fantaghiro” to the very end, but after two films he decided that his adventure with Romualdo’s role was over. The creators of the series tried to convince him to change their minds, but it failed. The actor, however, went on their hand – he recorded a dozen or so scenes before the start of the photos, which was later used in the next films. In the third installment of “Fantaghiro” his Romualdo is turned by the evil Sorcerer Tarabasa into stone and remains in this form until the final of the film. In the fourth Romualdo replaces Fyodor, thanks to which the problem of Stuart’s reluctance to the role was solved at least one film. The launchers were reused in the last shots. The actor did not leave the profession – It still occurs mainly in Italian productions.
What next with “Fantaghiro”?
“Fantaghiro” can now be viewed in the version from almost 30 years ago with a Polish teacher only semi -large on YouTube. On streaming platforms you will find only an animation made in later years. The film no longer goes to the broadcast on Polish Television, as it was customary long ago – today it would probably also enjoy much less popularity due to the low -competitive quality of workmanship in relation to contemporary children’s and youth productions. Nevertheless, for many today’s 30- and 40-year-olds “Fantaghiro” remains a nice memory of Saturday morning, when you didn’t have to hurry anywhere, and parents did not chase away from the TV.
There was information that “Fantaghiro” was looking forward to the serial resumption. Gianni Romoli was to be involved, responsible for the script and production of films from years ago. Unfortunately, despite the passage of time, no new information about this project has appeared. It is not known whether he has been suspended or whether conceptual work is still ongoing – Romoli from 2021 managed to write and produce one film and one episode of the series, there is no indication that he was about to return to the fantastic world of “Fantaghiro” in the near future.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
