swissguy-176-727028
This movie is an amazing study of human behaviour from the sheer selfishness and greed of the exploiters to the fear and desperation of the exploited. It is a testament to the weakness of humanity be it the weakness of greed leading to lack of compassion for one's fellow on the one hand and to the weakness of the exploited to allow themselves to be exploited for fear of losing the very little they have. The Organizer is the exception. He is not weak. He is compassionate. For this he pays dearly. Hated by the exploiters and not understood by the exploited. Perhaps he does not even understand himself. A powerful film and a must for anyone concerned with the current horror of Neo-Liberalism and global warming.
John Timothy
This is one of those great foreign films from the 60's. The plot synopsis may make it sound dismal, but on the contrary it is full of heart and humor. These are real people, with all their quirks and stupidities and rich relationships with one another. There is an accurate, full portrayal of the human condition, and an acceptance of what that means, that is rare to non-existent in movies today.If you like films that put you into another world for a couple of hours, you've got to see this. The late 19th century Northern Italy textile factory is amazingly realized. The black & white cinematography is gorgeous, and the acting is convincing all around.Mastroianni is a personal favorite, and this is a terrific role for him: very unlike his usual suave, modern, urban characters.This film is a masterpiece. It's a shame it is not out on DVD.
ellen-35
I saw this in theatrical release 40 years ago, and have been longing to see it again. It has long been on my top 10, no, my top "1" list. In my opinion it is Mastroianni's best film, and the most memorable labor film I can recall seeing. MAK-4's comment that this is the movie "Matewan", "Molly Maguires" and "Germinal" tried to be, really nailed it. However, although my 40-year-old impressions are indelible, they are no longer detailed. What a tragedy that "Divorce Italian Style" is available on DVD, and "The Organizer" is not available at all.
MAK-4
Mario Monicelli's wonderfully full portrait of an early workers' strike at a Turino textile factory (circa 1890) is not only a great period drama, but a warm, if ultimately tragic human comedy in the great Italian tradition. Great performances all around (Mastroianni, Giradot, and a young River Phoenix look-a-like named Franco Ciolli, whatever became of him?) help make this labor drama the movie MATEWAN, MOLLY MAGUIRES and GERMINAL all tried to be.
AD
