Calogero Salvo's 1991 Terranova—receiving a belated U.S. release on DVD—boasts an early performance by Antonio Banderas, who was known in Spain but was still a couple of years away from securing A-list Hollywood stardom. Fans will likely be disappointed, however, as Banderas is just one member of a large ensemble cast in a confusingly unfocused melodrama set in 1950s rural Venezuela. Banderas plays Antonio, the charmingly flirtatious brother of Rosetta (Marisa Laurito),who is the head of an Italian immigrant farm family. The storyline revolves around Rosetta's unlikely friendship with aristocratic landowner Noemi (Mimí Lazo). The women share common ground, so to speak, in the local farmland, and their concern about getting enough rain for the crops accounts for a generous amount of the dialogue. Regardless of its Venezuelan setting, Terranova will seem very familiar with its tale of émigrés trying (often with challenging consequences) to acclimatize themselves to unfamiliar surroundings. Unfortunately, Salvo's direction frequently veers into unsubtle telenovela territory, with overheated emoting that undermines the sincere screenplay. Even Banderas is somewhat guilty with a performance anchored in male model–style posing. Not recommended. (P. Hall)
Terranova
Victory, 96 min., in Spanish & Italian w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95 September 12, 2011
Terranova
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: