Sparrow (Italian: Storia di una capinera) is a 1993 Italian drama film directed by Franco Zeffirelli. It is an adaptation of Giovanni Verga's novel Storia di una capinera and was filmed in Sicily in 1993. It stars Angela Bettis, and premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival in October 1993. It was the final film performance of Valentina Cortese.
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Plot
In the Two Sicilies, in cholera-ridden Sicily of 1854, Maria, a future nun, is evacuated from her convent home in Catania to her father's Mount Etna-shadowed villa. During her stay she falls in love with Nino, a family friend.
Things fall apart when Catania is declared safe for her to return to Sicily, meaning she must renounce her love and concentrate on serving God.
Cast
Angela Bettis as Maria Vizzini
Johnathon Schaech as Nino Valentini
Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Agata
Valentina Cortese as Mother Superior
Frank Finlay as Father Nunzio
Sinéad Cusack as Matilde Vizzini
Denis Quilley as Baron Cesaro
Pat Heywood as Sister Teresa
Eva Alexander as Annetta
John Castle as Giuseppe Vizzini
Gareth Thomas as Corrado
Andrea Cassar as Gigi
Awards and nominations
The film was awarded and nominated for awards in Italy and Portugal.
David di Donatello Awards
David Award for Best Costume Design (Migliore Costumista) - Piero Tosi (won)
Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists (Nastro d'Argento)
Silver Ribbon for Best Costume Design - Piero Tosi (won)
Gramado Film Festival
Golden Kikito Award for Best Latin Film (Melhor Filme) - Franco Zeffirelli (nomination)