Rose Island

Italian engineer builds micro-nation on offshore platform

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About Rose Island

Released: 2020

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-14

Run time: 1h 58m

Cast
Elio Germano, Matilda De Angelis, Tom Wlaschiha, Luca Zingaretti, Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Leonardo Lidi, François Cluzet

About Rose Island

Rose Island (2020) is a drama TV show that tells the fascinating true story of Giorgio Rosa, an Italian engineer who, in 1968, decided to build a floating island off the coast of Rimini, Italy. With the help of a small group of friends, Giorgio created a micronation called "Rose Island" and declared independence from Italy. This act of rebellion attracted attention from the media and the government, leading to a series of events that tested the boundaries of freedom, imagination, and resilience.

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About

Rose Island portrays the incredible story of Giorgio Rosa and his quest for independence. Giorgio, played by Elio Germano, is a passionate and visionary engineer who dreams of creating his own nation. With the help of a group of like-minded friends, he builds a platform on the sea and declares the birth of Rose Island, complete with its own flag, currency, and laws.

As Rose Island gains international recognition and becomes a tourist attraction, the Italian government sees it as a threat to their authority. This leads to a conflict between Giorgio and the authorities, as they attempt to suppress this tiny nation and its ideals. The story unfolds as Giorgio and his friends fight for the freedom and independence they have created.

Making / Production

Rose Island is directed by Sydney Sibilia and is based on the true events of Giorgio Rosa's micronation. The show beautifully captures the spirit of the 1960s and the desire for personal freedom and independence that characterized the era. The production team recreated the floating island and its surroundings, bringing Giorgio's vision to life.

The show's cinematography is stunning, highlighting the contrast between the idyllic surroundings and the struggles faced by Giorgio and his friends. The attention to detail, from the costumes to the set designs, adds depth and authenticity to the story.

Actors

  • Elio Germano as Giorgio Rosa - Elio Germano delivers a captivating performance as Giorgio Rosa, portraying his ambition, determination, and resilience with great nuance.
  • Michele Riondino as Maurizio Orlandini - Michele Riondino plays Maurizio Orlandini, Giorgio's loyal friend and co-conspirator. He brings a sense of loyalty and humor to the character.
  • Matilda De Angelis as Gabriella - Matilda De Angelis gives a memorable performance as Gabriella, a young woman who gets involved in Rose Island and becomes an essential part of the movement.
  • Leonardo Lidi as Franco - Leonardo Lidi adds depth to the character of Franco, a journalist who is fascinated by Rose Island and becomes instrumental in spreading the story to the world.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Rose Island was a real micronation that existed for a short time in the 1960s before being destroyed by the Italian government.
  • The real Giorgio Rosa served as a consultant for the TV show, sharing his insights and experiences.
  • The construction of the floating island was a major engineering feat, attracting attention from around the world.
  • Giorgio Rosa's declaration of independence for Rose Island sparked a debate about freedom, sovereignty, and the boundaries of nations.

Awards

Rose Island has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for several awards, including Best TV Series at the Italian Golden Globe Awards.

Quotes

  • "We are not rebels; we just want to live in a world of our own creation." - Giorgio Rosa
  • "Rose Island is a symbol of freedom and imagination." - Maurizio Orlandini

Music / Soundtrack

The music in Rose Island perfectly complements the story, capturing the spirit of the 1960s. The soundtrack features a mix of popular songs of the era and original compositions that evoke a sense of adventure, rebellion, and hope.