The Name of the Rose Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Sean Connery, dressed as a monk, solves a medieval murder mystery because a grumpy old blind guy hates jokes.

🍿 The Name of the Rose: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at the Abbey

In 1327, Franciscan friar William of Baskerville and his novice, Adso of Melk, arrive at a Benedictine abbey in Northern Italy. They are to attend a conference, but the abbey is shrouded in fear due to the recent death of a young monk, a brilliant illustrator.

Mysterious Deaths and Investigation

William, known for his intellect and past inquisitorial experience, is asked by the Abbot to investigate. He initially deduces suicide but further deaths occur, each victim displaying blackened fingers and tongues. The deaths appear linked to a forbidden book hidden in the abbey’s labyrinthine library.

The Secret Library and Forbidden Knowledge

William and Adso delve into the abbey’s secrets, discovering a hidden library accessible through a complex series of clues. This library contains forbidden texts, including a lost comedy by Aristotle, which is believed to be the cause of the deaths due to a deadly poison applied to the pages.

Inquisition and Accusations

The Papal Inquisition, led by Bernardo Gui, arrives to investigate. Gui quickly accuses several members of heresy, including a young girl and Salvatore, a hunchbacked monk. William recognizes the girl was exchanging sexual favors with Salvatore for food, and sees through Gui’s accusations. However, Gui proceeds with his trial, sentencing the accused to be burned at the stake.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• William of Baskerville (Sean Connery): A sharp Franciscan friar and former inquisitor who investigates the mysterious deaths at a remote abbey using his intellect and reasoning.
• Adso of Melk (Christian Slater): A young Benedictine novice and William’s apprentice, who observes and learns from his master’s investigative methods while grappling with his own faith and desires.
• Jorge de Burgos (Feodor Chaliapin Jr.): A blind, elderly monk who fiercely guards the abbey’s library and opposes laughter, viewing it as a threat to faith.
• Bernardo Gui (F. Murray Abraham): A ruthless inquisitor who arrives at the abbey to root out heresy, relying on fear and torture rather than reason and evidence.
• Remigio de Varagine (Helmut Qualtinger): A suspicious cellarer with a hidden past connected to heretical groups, making him a target of the Inquisition.
• Salvatore (Ron Perlman): A grotesque and simple-minded hunchback monk who speaks in tongues and is easily manipulated.
• The Girl (Valentina Vargas): A peasant girl who trades sexual favors for food and briefly captivates Adso, representing earthly desires and the struggles of the poor.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• William of Baskerville: “There is no certainty, only opportunity.” – William expresses his belief in pragmatism and the importance of seizing opportunities during his investigation.
• Jorge de Burgos: “Laughter kills fear, and without fear there can be no faith, because without fear of the Devil there is no more need of God.” – Jorge explains his opposition to the book on comedy, seeing laughter as a threat to religious authority.
• William of Baskerville: “Perhaps the mission of those who love mankind is to make people laugh at the truth, to make truth laugh, because the only truth lies in learning to free ourselves from insane passion for the truth.” – William muses on the power and potential of laughter as a means to understand and accept truth.
• Adso of Melk (Narrator): “From the beauty of the past, now disappeared, we hold only names.” – Adso reflects on the ephemeral nature of beauty and knowledge, remembering the events of his youth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: ITL 30,000,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,153,487
• Worldwide Gross: $7,153,487

💥 The Name of the Rose Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘The Name of the Rose’ as a teenager and was completely mesmerized. The dark, foreboding atmosphere of the abbey, combined with Sean Connery’s charismatic performance, made it unforgettable. I loved trying to unravel the mystery alongside William of Baskerville, and the ending, while tragic, was incredibly powerful. I re-watch this movie regularly. It makes me appreciate the importance of knowledge and the dangers of suppressing it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical mysteries”
  • “Viewers interested in medieval history and religious themes”
  • “Those who enjoy intellectual and thought-provoking films”
  • “Sean Connery fans”
  • “Lovers of Sherlock Holmes-style investigations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and murder”
  • “Religious themes and discussions of heresy”
  • “Brief sexual content”
  • “Disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While visually impressive, ‘The Name of the Rose’ ultimately disappoints due to its sluggish pacing and a plot that’s more convoluted than captivating. Sean Connery’s performance is commendable, but even his presence can’t elevate this medieval mystery beyond a sorrowfully mediocre experience. The film’s ambition is evident, but the execution falls short, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
• Roger Ebert: ” ‘The Name of the Rose’ is a dense and visually arresting film that tackles complex themes of faith, knowledge, and power. Sean Connery delivers a strong performance as the inquisitive friar, and the film’s atmosphere successfully evokes the grim reality of the medieval period. While the plot can be challenging to follow, the overall experience is thought-provoking and rewarding for viewers willing to engage with its intellectual depth.
• New York Times: “‘The Name of the Rose’ is a visually stunning adaptation that captures the dark and foreboding atmosphere of Umberto Eco’s novel. However, the film struggles to balance its intellectual ambitions with the demands of a compelling thriller. The performances are solid, but the plot often feels convoluted and lacking in emotional resonance. Ultimately, the film is more admirable than enjoyable.

Audience Reactions

The intricate plot and historical accuracy were widely praised.: Viewers appreciated Sean Connery’s performance and the movie’s ability to transport them to the medieval era.

The film is intense, suspenseful, and thought-provoking.: Fans agreed that the movie’s complex themes and atmospheric setting made it a unique viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Name of the Rose’ is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating medieval mystery that, while complex and challenging at times, offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Make Up Artist)- 1988
2. BAFTA Awards (Best Production Design)- 1988
3. César Awards (Best Foreign Film)- 1987
4. German Film Awards (Best Production Design)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sean Connery’s casting was initially met with resistance from Columbia Pictures, who felt his career was at a low point.”
• “The film features a massive exterior set, one of the largest built in Europe since ‘Cleopatra’.”
• “Umberto Eco, the author of the novel, made a cameo appearance in the film as one of the monks but his scene was cut.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Name of the Rose?

As a film from 1986, it may not be available on all current major streaming platforms. Check services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies to rent or purchase ‘The Name of the Rose’. Physical media such as Blu-ray and DVD are also available.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Name of the Rose, you might like these similar films:

• Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001): Combines historical setting with a murder mystery and investigation, featuring a rational investigator challenging superstitious beliefs.
• The Da Vinci Code (2006): Features a historical mystery involving secret societies, religious conspiracies, and intellectual puzzle-solving, exploring similar themes of hidden knowledge.
• Black Death (2010): Set in medieval times and explores themes of religious fanaticism, moral corruption, and the conflict between faith and reason during a time of plague.
• The Pillars of the Earth (2010): A historical drama set in medieval England that showcases the societal and political issues in the middle ages.

🛒 The Name of the Rose Related Products

• The Name of the Rose (Umberto Eco): The original novel that inspired the movie, delve into the intricacies of Umberto Eco’s masterpiece with detailed descriptions and philosophical undertones. The book enhances the viewer’s understanding of characters and plot.
• The Name of the Rose (Blu-ray): Experience the medieval mystery in high definition with stunning visuals and enhanced audio. It captures the atmosphere of the monastic setting.
• Medieval Monk Robe Costume: Dress up as a friar from the middle ages, reminiscent of the characters from The Name of the Rose. This robe is made of high quality material that can be worn over your clothing and is very comfortable.
• Medieval Alphabet Stencil Set: Reproduce the beautiful calligraphy of the monks in illuminated manuscripts from The Name of the Rose. These stencils will help you capture the era’s art styles.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Name of the Rose features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Name Of The Rose” – performed by James Horner
• “What Profits a Man?” – performed by James Horner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The name of the rose – Did Christ laugh

Dive into a thoughtful examination of the intriguing question: \”Did Christ laugh?\”. This video provides a fresh perspective on the movie and sparks contemplation about faith and humanity.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=jUUB96c6EpY

Umberto Eco Interview: Advice to the Young

Step into the creative world of Umberto Eco as he shares his wisdom on writing and life. This inspiring interview will resonate with aspiring writers and anyone seeking guidance on their own paths.

the name of the rose- adso’s confession

Prepare to be captivated by a powerful scene that showcases the acting prowess of Sean Connery and Christian Slater. Their conversation will leave you pondering the intricacies of faith, love, and the complexities of life.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=APFMI8Sx_hY

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