Swept Away

Synopsis

Swept Away (1974), originally titled 'Travolti da un insolito destino nell'azzurro mare d'agosto,' is an Italian romantic drama directed by Lina Wertmüller. The film tells the story of a wealthy, strong-willed woman and a rough, communist deckhand who become stranded on a deserted island after a boating accident. Stripped of their social status and comforts, the two must navigate survival together, leading to an intense and complex exploration of power dynamics, class conflict, and human connection. Against the backdrop of the serene Mediterranean, the narrative weaves humor and tension into a compelling character study.

Cast

• 

  Giancarlo Giannini

  Gennarino Carunchio

• 

  Mariangela Melato

  Raffaella Pavone Lanzetti

• 

  Riccardo Salvino

  Signor Pavone Lanzetti

• 

  Isa Danieli

  Anna

• 

  Aldo Puglisi

  un collega di Gennarino

• Anna Melita

  una conoscente di Raffaella

Reviews

Swept Away holds a mixed but generally positive place among critics and audiences. On IMDb, it enjoys a solid rating of 7.5/10, reflecting appreciation for its unique storytelling, character development, and strong performances, particularly by Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato. Critics often praise the film’s incisive commentary on class struggle and its bold, satirical tone. Rotten Tomatoes gives the movie a 62% approval rating, signifying mixed reviews that highlight its offbeat charm and sharp social critique but also note its sometimes uneven pacing and tone. Some reviewers commend Lina Wertmüller’s direction and the film’s blend of comedy and drama, with Roger Ebert describing it as "a fascinating, provocative film that challenges social assumptions." However, other critiques point out that the power dynamics can feel uncomfortable or controversial to some viewers, which might affect its reception. Overall, Swept Away is celebrated for its daring narrative and strong performances but remains a divisive classic that continues to inspire debate among cinephiles.