The Gadfly Poster

The Gadfly 1980

★ 4.97 votes210 min📅 1980-11-11

Set against the fiery backdrop of 1840s Italy under Austrian rule, Mykola Mashchenko's *The Gadfly (1980)* weaves a gripping tale of revolution, romance, and moral conflict.

Director: Mykola Mashchenko

Cast

Andrey Kharitonov
Andrey Kharitonov
Артур Бертон
Sergey Bondarchuk
Sergey Bondarchuk
Кардинал Монтанелли
Anastasiya Vertinskaya
Anastasiya Vertinskaya
Джемма
Ada Rohovtseva
Ada Rohovtseva
Джулия Бертон, жена Джеймса
Kostiantyn Stepankov
Kostiantyn Stepankov
Австрийский полковник
Aleksei Kolesnik
Aleksei Kolesnik

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Gadfly (1980) about?

*The Gadfly* follows Arthur Burton, a passionate young revolutionary in 1840s Italy, as he grapples with love, faith, and betrayal while fighting against Austrian oppression. His relationship with the kind-hearted Gemma becomes a poignant counterpoint to his dangerous political activities, making for a deeply emotional and dramatic narrative.

Who directed The Gadfly?

Mykola Mashchenko directed *The Gadfly (1980)*, bringing a dramatic flair to this historical epic.

Who stars in The Gadfly?

The film stars Andrey Kharitonov as Arthur Burton, Sergey Bondarchuk as Padre Montanelli, Anastasiya Vertinskaya as Gemma, Ada Rohovtseva, and Kostiantyn Stepankov in pivotal roles.

Is The Gadfly (1980) worth watching?

*The Gadfly (1980)* is a compelling choice if you love historical dramas with rich emotional depth and revolutionary themes. While it isn't rated on IMDb, its epic scale, strong performances, and blend of romance and political intrigue make it a standout for fans of period films and Soviet cinema.

How long is The Gadfly?

The runtime for *The Gadfly (1980)* is approximately 210 minutes, or 3 hours and 30 minutes.

About The Gadfly (1980) — A Revolutionary Love Story Set in 1840s Italy

Set against the fiery backdrop of 1840s Italy under Austrian rule, Mykola Mashchenko's *The Gadfly (1980)* weaves a gripping tale of revolution, romance, and moral conflict. The story follows Arthur Burton, a passionate young member of the underground Youth movement, whose fiery idealism collides with the conservative, manipulative Padre Montanelli. As Arthur navigates the perilous world of political uprisings, a heart-wrenching love story unfolds between him and the radiant Gemma, adding emotional depth to the revolutionary turmoil. Director Mashchenko masterfully balances themes of faith, betrayal, and heroism, creating a cinematic experience that's both epic in scale and intimate in its storytelling.

Starring Andrey Kharitonov as the fiery Arthur and the legendary Sergey Bondarchuk as the morally ambiguous Montanelli, *The Gadfly (1980)* blends drama, romance, and action into a sweeping historical epic. The film's atmosphere is charged with tension, capturing the spirit of a generation fighting for freedom against overwhelming odds. Whether you're drawn to its political intrigue, romantic drama, or the sheer audacity of its characters, this Soviet-era masterpiece remains a compelling watch for fans of period dramas and revolutionary tales alike.