It has a mix of witchcraft and some Catholic-pagan magic, for comedic effect... and I guess a MacGuffin.
The theme music is perhaps the worst thing about the film - unbearable schmaltz.
It's interesting to watch Sophia Loren, as usual, but there's absolutely no clue given why her character would fall in love with Omar Sharif 's character, who is abusive when he's not being manipulative.
I know: times change. 500 years ago, she'd not have many choices, but *audiences* even 55 years ago would appreciate being thrown a bone: some tender moment or one spark of good in Sharif's character would lend some credibility.
I guess the YouTube "Pitch Meeting" channel has put it best: they're in love because they're the romantic leads - IOW, so the movie can happen.
And Dolores del Rio's talent was wasted here.
The theme music is perhaps the worst thing about the film - unbearable schmaltz.
It's interesting to watch Sophia Loren, as usual, but there's absolutely no clue given why her character would fall in love with Omar Sharif 's character, who is abusive when he's not being manipulative.
I know: times change. 500 years ago, she'd not have many choices, but *audiences* even 55 years ago would appreciate being thrown a bone: some tender moment or one spark of good in Sharif's character would lend some credibility.
I guess the YouTube "Pitch Meeting" channel has put it best: they're in love because they're the romantic leads - IOW, so the movie can happen.
And Dolores del Rio's talent was wasted here.