Marco Bellocchio’s latest masterpiece, Rapito, captivatingly portrays the complex and tragic story of Edgardo Mortara, whose shocking abduction ignited international outrage and legal dispute. Set against the backdrop of 1858 Bologna, this historical drama, which aired for the first time on Italian television on February 1, 2025, explores themes still relevant today.
At the age of just six, Edgardo was taken from his Jewish family following the illegal baptism he received as a baby, unbeknownst to his parents. This act was spurred by fears from their Catholic servant, Anna Morisi, who believed the infant was close to death. Under papal law, the child, now deemed irrevocably Catholic, could not grow up within his Jewish heritage. According to reports, Catholic authorities, led by Pope Pio IX, ordered the intervention, asserting their rights over the welfare of baptized children.
The Mortara family's ordeal began on June 23, 1858, when soldiers of the Papal State confiscated Edgardo from his home. "A film set in 19th-century costumes, which speaks to us today. Us today," said Bellocchio, indicating the universal relevance of the poignant story. The ramifications of the event transcended local boundaries, garnering attention from around the world, and leading to protests from Jewish communities as far away as France and the U.S.
Salomone and Marianna Mortara, Edgardo's parents, launched what soon became more than just personal advocacy—it morphed swiftly to encompass political dimensions as emotions ran high across Europe. Notably, the case not only highlighted the rigidities of Papal law but also put forth the narratives of religious freedom and identity during a time of increasing political tensions and transformation.
The film's intelligent screenplay, along with stellar performances from actors such as Enea Sala (young Edgardo) and Paolo Pierobon (Pope Pio IX), powerfully injects emotional depth and dramatic tension. Cinematic choices provide viewers with both historical insight and visceral response to the thematic exploration of faith manipulation and family endurance.
Among the elements skillfully handled by Bellocchio is the juxtaposition of Edgardo's devout Catholic upbringing against his family's Jewish traditions. This internal conflict is pronounced throughout the film, with sequences depicting both the imposed prayers of Catholicism and the innocent Jewish rituals he recalls. "Will they cut off my head?" young Edgardo is portrayed as asking, bringing to light the fears and innocence of childhood abruptly shattered by political edict.
The intense struggle faced by the Mortara family broke through the confines of personal tragedy, becoming emblematic of broader issues of religious identity and governmental overreach. Edgardo’s predicament swiftly escalated to concerns with far-reaching political ramifications, inviting intervention from both local and international communities.
By the climax of the film, viewers witness the palpable desolation felt by Marianna Mortara, depicted with haunting realism, as her efforts to reclaim her son result in political entanglement rather than familial reunion. The depiction of tragedy reminds viewers of the gravity and relentless persistence of parental love against the machinery of law and faith.
The film does not shy away from historical accuracy but also embraces artistic expression. Viewers see the struggles of Italy transitioning away from Papal dominion during the 1870s and trailing Edgardo, who grows from childhood innocence to eventual involvement with the Catholic Church he was forced to adopt.
Critically, Rapito has received acclaim for its raw storytelling and has secured significant awards, including five David di Donatello and six Nastri d'Argento, affirming Bellocchio’s status as one of Italy’s acclaimed directors. The historical authenticity, combined with poignant storytelling, has catapulted the film's impact well beyond the screen, stirring conversations around identity, belief systems, and the consequences of institutional authority.
With its debut on television, Rapito not only serves as entertainment but as a chilling reminder of the past intricately weaving through the fabric of present societal discourses. It raises poignant questions about the balance between authority and individual belief, urging viewers to reflect on the rights to familial bonds and cultural identity.
Through Bellocchio's lens, the tragic saga of Edgardo Mortara emerges as both historical narrative and cautionary tale, inviting all to witness, question, and learn from the shadows of the past.