The Name of the Rose

The Name of the Rose

Year: 1986

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In 14th-century Italy, a seasoned Franciscan friar and his young apprentice are dispatched to a remote mountain monastery to investigate a series of bizarre deaths. As they examine the abbey's extensive library and interview its inhabitants, they uncover a sinister plot involving forbidden knowledge and long-held secrets. Their investigation leads them deeper into a web of deceit, challenging their beliefs and endangering their lives as they race to expose the truth before more lives are lost.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Name of the Rose yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Name of the Rose (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Name of the Rose (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 14th century

The film takes place in the early 14th century, a time marked by religious turbulence and the inquisition. This era is notable for its strict adherence to Church doctrines, and the growing tensions between varying interpretations of faith and knowledge. The events unfold as the Church conference approaches, adding urgency to the investigation into the mysterious deaths.

Location

Benedictine abbey, Northern Italy

The movie is set in a Benedictine abbey located in Northern Italy, characterized by its isolated and mysterious ambiance. Known for its vast library, it houses invaluable works of knowledge, which are kept hidden due to their contentious nature in the theological landscape of the time. The abbey becomes the focal point of intrigue as it grapples with the unsettling events surrounding the deaths that unfold within its walls.

🏰 Abbey 🇮🇹 Italy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:43

Main Characters – The Name of the Rose (1986)

Meet the key characters of The Name of the Rose (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

William of Baskerville

William of Baskerville is a sharp-minded Franciscan friar known for his keen deductive abilities. A man of reason and intellect, he is determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths at the abbey. His character embodies the struggle between faith and knowledge, navigating the complex web of theological tensions within the Church.

🧠 Detective 📖 Intellectual

Adso of Melk

Adso of Melk serves as William's novice and reflective narrator, representing the audience's viewpoint. His character experiences profound growth as he grapples with themes of love, knowledge, and morality. Through his interactions and experiences at the abbey, he transitions from innocence to a deeper understanding of the world's complexities.

👶 Innocence 📜 Narrator

Bernardo Gui

Bernardo Gui is a zealous Inquisition representative whose pursuit of heretics embodies the rigid dogmatism of the Church. His character serves to escalate the tension within the story, as he carelessly dismisses the possibility of innocence in favor of a singular narrative. Gui's actions lead to tragic consequences for the accused individuals.

⚖️ Antagonist 🔍 Inquisitor

Salvatore

Salvatore is a hunchbacked character who adds depth to the investigation with his fragmented communication and connection to the past. He is suspected of being involved with heretical sects, showcasing the complexities of individuals trapped within oppressive structures. His tragic fate reflects the dangers of misunderstanding and scapegoating.

🤐 Outsider 🔗 Misunderstood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:43

Major Themes – The Name of the Rose (1986)

Explore the central themes of The Name of the Rose (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📚 Knowledge vs. Ignorance

A central theme of the film is the conflict between knowledge and ignorance, embodied by the hidden works of Aristotle within the abbey's library. William's quest to uncover truth illustrates the danger that understanding poses to dogmatic beliefs. The destruction of the library symbolizes the tragic consequences of suppressing knowledge in favor of rigid ideologies.

🔥 Persecution

The theme of persecution is vividly depicted through the brutal actions of the Inquisition, led by Bernardo Gui. The fear of heresy leads to the ruthless treatment of those accused, reflecting the times' intolerance and the tragic outcomes of blind faith. Characters like Salvatore and Remigio find themselves victims of a narrative created by those in power.

💔 Loss of Innocence

Adso’s relationship with the peasant girl encapsulates a compelling commentary on the loss of innocence. His naive desires are confronted by the harsh realities of life and the consequences of his choices. The encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of youth amidst the backdrop of violence and theological dogma.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:43

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Cloistered Mysteries Like The Name of the Rose

Where an investigation uncovers secrets in a sealed-off, authoritarian society.If you liked the intellectual detective work in The Name of the Rose, explore more movies where a sharp-minded investigator uncovers dangerous truths within a sealed-off society. These films share a claustrophobic, atmospheric setting and a plot driven by philosophical inquiry and hidden knowledge.

claustrophobicintellectualsuspensefulatmosphericphilosophicalgrimmethodical

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a logical, often methodical investigation into a series of unsettling events within a highly controlled environment. The protagonist, usually an outsider or a skeptic, must navigate complex social hierarchies and ideological dogma to expose a truth that the powers-that-be wish to keep buried. The central conflict is often between reason and dogma, or individual inquiry and collective authority.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared core structure: a cerebral mystery set against the backdrop of an insular, rule-bound society. They prioritize atmosphere and intellectual tension over physical action, creating a suspenseful experience rooted in the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.

Bittersweet Investigative Dramas Like The Name of the Rose

Stories where uncovering a grim truth leaves profound scars.For viewers who appreciated the heavy emotional toll and melancholic resolution of The Name of the Rose, this section gathers movies about investigations that uncover painful truths. These stories often end on a bittersweet note, where the solution comes at a significant personal or philosophical cost.

melancholicgrimphilosophicalheavyatmosphericsuspensefulbittersweet

Narrative Summary

The narrative arc is one of descent and revelation. The protagonist begins with a clear mission but becomes increasingly burdened by the grim nature of their discoveries. The climax resolves the central mystery but often at the expense of the character's peace of mind or cherished beliefs, resulting in an ending that is emotionally resonant and far from purely triumphant.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects films based on their shared emotional journey: a serious investigation that leads to a bittersweet or morally ambiguous conclusion. The focus is on the heavy emotional weight and the lasting impact of the truth on the protagonist, creating a thoughtful and melancholic viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Name of the Rose

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Name of the Rose in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Name of the Rose is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Name of the Rose Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Name of the Rose, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Name of the Rose Summary

The Name of the Rose Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Name of the Rose with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Name of the Rose Timeline

The Name of the Rose Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Name of the Rose that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Name of the Rose Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Name of the Rose

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Name of the Rose: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Name of the Rose

Similar Movies to The Name of the Rose

Discover movies like The Name of the Rose that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.