Captain Corelli's Mandolin (film)

Captain Corelli's Mandolin is a 2001 war film directed by John Madden. It is based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Louis de Bernières. The film stars Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz in the lead roles.

The story is set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during World War II. It follows the experiences of Dr. Iannis (John Hurt) and his independent-minded daughter Pelagia (Penélope Cruz) as they become involved with the Italian occupation of the island. Antonio Corelli (Nicolas Cage), an Italian army captain and music enthusiast, is stationed on the island and lodges with Iannis and Pelagia. Initially, Pelagia resents Corelli's presence, but they eventually fall in love.

The film depicts the complex relationship between the Italian soldiers and the Greek islanders, the brutality of the war, and the devastating consequences of the Italian surrender to the Allies, which leads to a massacre of the Italian troops by the German forces. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, national identity, and the enduring power of music.

Despite its star power and picturesque setting, Captain Corelli's Mandolin received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics generally praised the cinematography and performances, particularly those of Hurt and Cruz, but criticized the film for its romanticized portrayal of war, its historical inaccuracies, and its deviation from the source material. It was also viewed by some as overly sentimental and melodramatic. The film was a moderate box office success.