The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Movie spotlight

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

1921
Movie
156 min
English

Set in the years before and during World War I, this epic tale tells the story of a rich Argentine family, one of its two descending branches being half of French heritage, the other being half German. Following the death of the family patriarch, the man's two daughters and their families resettle to France and Germany, respectively. In time the Great War breaks out, putting members of the family on opposing sides.

Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Director: Rex IngramGenres: Drama, War, Romance

Plot Summary

In this epic silent film, the destinies of two families, one French and one German, become intertwined as World War I breaks out. The story follows Julio Desnoyers, a young Argentinian of French and German heritage, who falls in love and lives a carefree life before the war drastically changes his world. As his loved ones are drawn into the conflict, Julio must confront his loyalties and the devastating impact of war on humanity.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' was a monumental critical and commercial success, hailed as a groundbreaking cinematic achievement. Its anti-war message resonated deeply with audiences, and it is credited with launching Rudolph Valentino into superstardom. Critics praised its epic scale, emotional depth, and powerful visual storytelling, solidifying its place as a classic of early cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and moving anti-war statement that effectively depicts the human cost of conflict.

  • Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, showcasing early cinematic artistry.

  • Launched Rudolph Valentino to international fame with his captivating performance.

Google audience: While direct Google user reviews for this silent film are not readily available, its enduring legacy suggests a high appreciation for its historical significance and dramatic impact.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Writing (Adaptation) for Willis Goldbeck and Lawrence Stallings. Often cited as one of the greatest films of the silent era.

Fun Fact

The film was based on Vicente Blasco Ibáñez's 1916 novel of the same name, which was a bestseller and a significant anti-war statement of its time.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is a magnificent cinematic rendition of a slightly flawed book. Commencing in the early 20th century. Madariaga (Pomeroy Cannon) is the patriarch of a family with siblings as alike as chalk and cheese. He openly favours his French in-l...

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