The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 1921 review

The film begins by focusing on the wealthy Argentine landowner Marcelo Desnoyers and his large family. Marcelo has two sons-in-law: one French and the other German. As World War I breaks out, family members find themselves on opposite sides, creating tension and complexity within the family. Marcelo's French son-in-law joins the French army, while his German son-in-law fights for Germany, leading to the family's disintegration.

This plot showcases the immense impact of war on families, highlighting the helplessness and suffering of individuals and families caught in national conflicts. Through the rise and fall of the family, the film reveals the divisions and tragedies brought about by war, allowing the audience to deeply understand its cruelty and destructive power. The conflicts within this transnational marriage not only exacerbate the family's internal tensions but also reflect broader social and political struggles.

Marcelo's grandson, Julio (played by Rudolph Valentino), is a young hedonist who loves parties and romantic life, especially tango dancing. However, as the war approaches, Julio begins to realize his responsibilities, and his attitude toward life starts to change. After witnessing the destruction and sacrifices caused by the war, Julio decides to join the army and fight for his country.

Julio's character development from a pleasure-seeker to a responsible individual reflects personal growth and awakening in the face of war. Valentino's nuanced performance vividly portrays Julio's transformation from a carefree youth to a courageous soldier. This plot not only enhances the film's dramatic tension but also gives the character a profound psychological depth.

Julio performs valiantly on the battlefield, showing great bravery. In a fierce battle, he sacrifices himself to save his comrades. This scene, filled with a tragic atmosphere, highlights Julio's heroism and stands out as one of the film's most moving moments.

This plot showcases the brutality and mercilessness of war through Julio's sacrifice, while also emphasizing personal heroism. Julio's brave actions and ultimate sacrifice deeply move the audience, adding emotional depth to the film. This scene not only underscores the high cost of war but also portrays the nobility of the human spirit and the longing for peace.

One of the most iconic scenes in the film is Julio's tango performance in Buenos Aires. In this scene, Julio displays his skilled dance moves and charismatic personality. The passionate and dynamic tango not only captivates the audience but also highlights Julio's character and lifestyle.

The tango scene adds unique charm and visual appeal to the film. Through this scene, Valentino showcases Julio's charm to the fullest, making him a beloved figure among audiences. This scene not only enriches the film's emotional layers but also uses the expressive medium of dance to make Julio's character more three-dimensional and vivid. The tango performance has become a classic scene, still regarded as a highlight in film history.

"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" depicts the profound impact of World War I on human society and individual fates through the rise and fall of a family, Julio's growth, sacrifice on the battlefield, and the tango scene. This film not only achieved significant breakthroughs in both technical and artistic aspects but also became a classic of the silent film era with its profound themes and superb performances.

"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" is a film of great intellectual depth and historical significance. Through its portrayal of war, it reveals the trauma of conflict and the complexity of human nature. Rex Ingram's meticulous direction and Valentino's outstanding performance showcase the film's mastery of grand scenes and attention to detail. Although the special effects may seem rudimentary by today's standards, their creativity and artistic expression remain impressive. Overall, this is an unmissable classic film, worth revisiting time and again.