The life story of Carlo Broschi, who at age seven had surgery to become a castrato to preserve his sweet voice. He went on to become one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 18th century, taking on the name Farinelli. As his fame grows, tension builds with his less talented brother Riccardo. Golden Globe Winner, Best Foreign Film.

Director Gerard Corbiau explores the frustrations, painful insecurities and triumphs of Farinelli, (nee Carlo Broschi) the legendary 18th century castrato singer.

Co-produced by Alinea Films & Studio Images (France); K2 Productions, RTL, TV1 (Belgium); and Italian International Film & MediaSet (Italy). Produced with the Participation of the CNC, FilmstiftlungNordhein Westfalen GmbH & Eurimages.

Shot in Germany, Spain & Belgium.

Farinelli (Carlo Broschi) lived between 1705-1782.

Additional cast: Jacques Bourdet; Graham Valentine; Richard Reeves; Jonathan Fox; Josef Betzing; Karl-Heinz Dickmann; Stefan Mazel; and Wolfgang Grindemann.

Additional credits: Yves Vandermeeren (camera operator); Anne de Laugardiere (costume designer); Kuno Schlegemilch (makeup & hair creation); Paul Le Marinel (chief makeup); Fabienne Bressan (chief hairstylist); Tirelli Costumi Roma (costumes); François Enginger, Jean-Claude Ventura, Fernando Pacheco (assistant directors).

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Single Side - Single Layer
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital Stereo - French
Dolby Digital Stereo - Italian
Additional Release Material:
Trailers
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Text/Photo Galleries:
Biographies: Cast/Crew

Stefano Dionsi: 
Enrico Lo Verso: Italian Actor/"Ladro..Bambini
Elsa Zylberstein: Actress/"Farinelli"
Caroline Cellier: Actress/"Petit Con"
Marianne Basler: Actress/"Overseas"

Gérard Corbiau: French Director

Dominique Janne: Producer

Andree Corbiau: 

Riccardo Broschi: Italian Composer\FARINELLI

Joelle Hache: 

"...This Gerard Corbiau film is as beautifully produced, directed and acted as one could hope for besides having historic integrity. It demands to be seen..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars
"...The film has a sleek, cultivated tone..."
"...A drama of extraordinary complexity, rich in meaning....A triumph of taut control and superb structuring..."
"...It's definitely worth a look and a listen..."