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 battle-scarred Franciscan monk and his novice apprentice embark on a perilous journey to unravel the mystery of a monastery beset by murder. As they delve into the dark underbelly of faith and power, the abbey's very foundations begin to crumble, revealing a tangled web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy everything in its path.

Warning: spoilers below!

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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

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