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"THE PRINCE by Niccolo Machiavelli"

"In the century where treachery, cruelty, debauchery and violence...

were the means of government and brute force was law...

Italy lived under the sign of the Borgias.

In 1492, a former soldier named Rodrigo Borgia...

was elected pope under the name Alexander VI."

"During his youth, Borgia had several children:

Cesare Borgia, the perfect ferocious beast...

without a single blemish of humanity."

Here she is, my lord.

What do you think of her?

Not much.

This is a surprise for him.

French wine.

Take it upstairs.

Now!

The child fears for her virtue.

She has good reason to.

Let go of me!

What an animal!

We need your help.

We've netted a pigeon.

Master Phillip's feathers.

What an idea, Carlo. You're crazy!

Calm down. Don't get upset.

It can be taken care of without going against the other Signor Borgia.

That's different, but risky.

How much do you want?

I'll put it on your tab.

It's nice of you to join us for dinner.

Here you'll get everything you want.

Don't give her a hard time.

She'll soon be a friend of Cesare Borgia.

Come on, laugh, by the blood of Christ!

Watch out! Careful, sonny.

Oh yes, the Borgias, our masters...

bandits who dishonored galley slaves.

Cesare, a poisoner who has insulted the name of the pope.

Let my friends go by!

They've insulted us! You asked for it!

Beautiful.

"His brother Jean, Duke of Gandia...

favorite son of Alexander...

was frivolous and refined...

a supporter of the arts and more committed to beauty...

than to his own glory."

Master, admire the Genoan brocade.

All the pope's kingdom will be buying from you.

I'll take it.

Let's ask for a painter's opinion.

Sire, these materials are quite extravagant.

I took a vow of poverty.

Listen to him!

It's so exalted.

- It's Sav... - Savonarola, my lord.

You dare speak ill of our Holy Father?

Oh, sir, I forgot. These samples...

I'll take them.

If you have more beautiful ones, show them to my sister Lucrezia.

Oh, to Lucrezia, to beautiful Lucrezia! How?

At this hour my sister is asleep, dreaming of life's gallant adventures.

Good, very good!

Is she still asleep?

No, she's waking up.

Open the curtains.

Did you have a good night?

Oh, very good. Good morning.

- What's it like out? - Beautiful and warm.

Did you sleep well? Have sweet dreams?

Yes, but strange.

I dreamt that a young lord went to the Vatican...

to ask my father for my hand.

When he arrived, he wasn't alone. There were three of them.

Three husbands?

What an idea!

One would be enough for me, but he should arrive quickly!

That's my bucket!

Who's making all that noise on the terrace?

There's a match going on. Come look.

- Hey, let's stop. It's too hot. - You're right.

Already tired?

When you have such an attentive audience?

Come on. Make an effort!

This time they'll tear each other to pieces.

So it's we who are really the strongest.

Even though it is we who lean on their shoulders.

I pick the taller one. He must be a knight.

They're fighting for a smile. What asses!

How ugly he is.

All right. Come on, everyone!

Lucien, the milk bath.

Felina, the amaranth dress.

Let's hope Lucrezia's dress pleases her father.

But if it pleases him too much...

he may have the whole court dress the same way!

What makes you so brash as to speak to me so frankly?

My knowledge of men, my lord.

Cesare Borgia can only dream of the power of the Papal State.

Really, Niccolo Machiavelli.

What prompts you to counsel me?

The certainty of having found the perfect model of a prince...

who knows how to reign.

Go on.

Look.

These principalities, these duchies...

all in the hands of your worst enemies.

You think I don't know that?

But I'm the youngest.

And the Borgias want to go on accepting the slander and insolence...

while they forget the names of the Colonnas...

the Orsinis, the Sforzas.

Never.

No one will be spared.

Look.

Who could believe that the pope's sovereignty...

does not extend through Romagna?

Be patient.

With Romagna conquered...

what would become of the small republic of Siena?

And later, of proud Florence?

And perhaps even...

the kingdom of Naples?

All of Italy?

The challenge faced by the first Caesar.

Why should a second Caesar not carry on?

You are right, Niccolo Machiavelli.

From now on, your fortune is linked to mine.

And my name to yours, Cesare Borgia.

Give it to me.

Greetings, great Chief General of the Armies.

This is a surprise.

My brother coming to a council meeting.

No horses to train?

No poets to listen to, or clothes to try on?

Jean, Jean, you don't look well.

My father, Holy father.

Stay, Giovanni.

- His Holiness... - I prefer "father."

So be it, Father. Speak, I am listening.

Afterwards, it will be my turn.

I'm always pleased to hear my children speak.

News from Florence that the Dominican, Savonarola...

continues to preach against us.

He reproaches me for dressing as a knight.

One must change one's appearance from time to time.

I have a plan against slander and rebellion.

Will you listen?

And I say to you, citizens of Florence...

never in a Catholic state...

have there been more frequent attacks.

Murder and rape have become so common...

that no traveler is safe.

What is the reason for this?

The authority of Christ is under siege!

I have my father's signature.

An order that declares our enemies to be outlaws.

The Orsinis, the Colonnas, the Sforzas.

Have I followed your advice well?

I've been absolved beforehand.

There will be a few obstacles to overcome.

Or to suppress.

- Don't be afraid. - I have confidence in you.

You have the trump card:

Your sister Lucrezia.

My God, you're right!

With her looks, an arranged marriage would be easy.

And what will you make of her? A princess, a duchess?

The Queen of France!

To the ruin of the despised family, the Borgias!

Careful. You're talking about the pope.

A pope who sacrifices the state to his children?

Let the Vatican live, but let the Borgias die!

We must eliminate Cesare, a murderer.

And his brother, that vain, debauched dandy!

And sweet Lucrezia. At best, as worthy as her brothers.

It's not by force that we'll rid ourselves of those tyrants.

It's by scandal!

I'm afraid of nothing.

I propose that one of us...

attempt to seduce the sister of the abominable Cesare.

That should be easy.

So, who'll take on the challenge?

Well, I will!

And tomorrow, I'll lay siege to the supposedly untouched citadel.

Yes, my dear, he went by twice looking up at the window.

Twice?

What does he look like?

He's tall, with a good build.

Going by two times. It's a beginning.

Do you think he'll go further?

I wouldn't hesitate, if it were me.

I hope the heavens hear you!

Go with them, my dear. Leave me alone.

- Is that an order? - Yes.

You know I could call the guards.

Why? Am I in the harem of a great Turk?

You're in the home of a young woman on whom you've spied as she bathed.

Yes, you don't look like a stable boy.

Thank you.

But, really, I didn't see anything.

Who were you trying to get to? One of my servants?

To Sensia?

To me?

It takes courage to run such risks.

It would mean death, wouldn't it?

There are other dangers.

You're warm.

A little, my lord.

Drink. Go ahead.

To my lord's health.

It's the right dose.

You'll bring this wine to His Eminence himself.

As if it came from one of his sharecroppers.

Leave now.

Giacobo.

There was no one like him for cleaning armor.

Oh, he was old.

Still working on your tapestry, Penelope?

I was waiting for you, my lord.

- My beloved... - Yes, I know.

Some hate me. Some fear me.

And you... you love me.

Very surprising.

- I'm yours. - Quite a gift.

But am I worthy? That's the question.

All I know is that I love you.

To live here and see you from time to time.

Surprising.

- Here's the doctor. - His Eminence, the Cardinal.

Oh, my lord. He has drunk a cursed wine. He is dying.

The cardinal liked good wine.

He didn't keep us waiting.

The first time... did you come to seduce me?

Yes. And now I myself am caught.

You are at my mercy.

And I can always call the guards and you'll be dead at my feet.

That's not what I'm afraid of.

No. You're only afraid that I'll refuse you.

Think what you like.

Why don't you marry me? I'm a fine catch.

And you'd come with me to Pesaro?

We'll talk about that.

Am I to become a housekeeper and raise children?

No, no. I love you.

And I you.

Lucrezia, watch out! There are men in the garden.

I recognized Cesare's insignia.

We've got to decide.

My dearest, if I'm assassinated...

No, don't be absurd.

A Sforza here? My honor compromised?

Can you imagine the scandal?

What have you found?

A man with your sister. A Sforza.

You have visitors without informing me?

Cesare Borgia, I love your sister and want to marry her.

Marry her?

How dare you? Dog!

Haven't you already married her?

You're crazy, Cesare! Do you take me for an innkeeper's servant?

I will be his wife. Do you hear?

And now, send your men away.

- What's the meaning of all this? - The meaning?

The Sforzas, our enemies.

Exactly. An alliance instead of hatred.

My diplomacy is better than yours.

- It's time you let me be a woman. - Shut up!

Get rid of this pretty boy... and fast!

They'll have your hide for this!

It's all yours!

Hold it!

You mustn't yell so, Cesare...

and make our lovely sister cry.

Sforza will make an agreeable brother-in-law.

Idiot! Get out of here, Jean. This is my business.

No, Cesare, I'm the oldest...

and the pope's lieutenant.

I'm giving the orders for once.

I don't want any discord here.

Do you understand?

Let Sforza swear that my sister is still untouched. If not!

Enough, Cesare!

What are you saying about young noblewomen?

You're not hurt, are you?

You must ask my father for my hand.

In private, he's an easy man...

not intimidating at all.

"I, Alexander VI, Sovereign Pope...

bestow my papal blessing...

upon the marriage...

of Lucrezia da Croce...

and Jean Sforza, Count of Pesaro.

I, Alexander VI, Sovereign Pope...

name as rebels and outlaws...

Cardinals Orsini and Alviano and Prince Salviah.

Their castles and lands are to be destroyed."

Their earldoms of Terrasini...

and the realm of Servia.

The King of France wishes proof of our friendship.

We will send him our son Cesare.

As a hostage, Father.

As an observer, my son.

And we have decided to continue the battle against our vassals.

I tell you, my brothers...

that the voice of God inspires his noble servant.

The throne of St. Peter is occupied by a usurper!

The council is over.

Have I forgotten anything?

How can we fight against the worst rebels...

if your son-in-law is named Sforza?

It's an obstacle to your control, at least at first glance.

My in-law is not very dangerous.

That's enough for today. I'm tired.

And it's practically finished. You'll model the face as you wish.

Yes, madam.

How beautiful it is!

It would be regrettable not to keep...

an expression of this mortal body for posterity.

I want it at home.

To give it up...

Haven't you been paid well enough?

More than you dared hope?

The statue at home? Giannino will recognize it!

He's not even aware of what treasures he has.

Sforza is in our way day after day.

We need an annulment, but what reason can we give?

There is no child.

Therefore, the marriage hasn't been consummated.

And that dog will be humiliated in front of all Italy.

What news?

Filippo, a young sculptor, just a whim.

Ayoung sculptor?

We'll stop his career right there.

Hunting again? Even at night you leave us.

Our evening will be ruined, my lord.

Go ahead, Giannino.

We know what it means to be a hunter.

Go ahead.

I'll take your place.

Sir, we must hurry.

We've picked up a fresh trail and the wind is favorable.

Good-bye, Giannino.

Forgive me, Lucrezia.

Thank you, Matteo.

And make the hunt last until dawn.

Don't I know how to organize a party for my sister?

Thank you, Cesare.

And I think I've done well. Look.

I'm the one who chose the guests.

- They're all courtesans. - Did you desire monks and nuns?

Oh, no! No formalities.

Let everyone dance and drink...

and, above all, enjoy themselves.

Of course. An annulment.

Giannino will never agree.

We'll persuade him.

Enough discussion.

You have no idea where you are?

No. I followed some friends.

- I don't regret it. - But who are you?

Donato. I've come from Ferrara to fall in love.

Your name?

Lucrezia Borgia.

She can't be as beautiful as you. But your name isn't important.

Yes, it is. We must be discreet.

- Don't be afraid. - Afraid? I'm only thinking of you.

Don't ever speak about this evening.

Not to anyone, ever.

You're so young.

- So very young. - If you only knew...

Haven't you talked enough?

Your brother has put aside his fraternal feelings...

for he realizes...

That Sforza is in the way.

He must accept an annulment.

If not...

Mix up politics in conjugal matters?

Don't count on me, Cesare.

And if Giannino refuses?

For the good of the state, Lucrezia must be set free.

I'm not so sure.

Good-bye. I have two Arabian horses to try out.

What an idiot!

Your brother has left?

Forgive me, Cesare.

Get out of here, and fast!

Darling! You're hurt!

You're always right.

Because I'm the only one who's not afraid of you.

It's true.

Everyone is afraid of Cesare. No one knows him.

Lovely invention.

Get me to sign a confession of impotence?

I'll have an heir, God willing, when I want one.

I love Lucrezia and I'm keeping her.

We can't force you, my lord...

but me must follow this up.

Come in.

Mario, see that my husband's best horse is saddled up immediately.

Am I to understand, madam...

No. You are to understand nothing.

Go ahead.

That young man is delightful.

May I have him as a valet?

You may not.

Here's Sforza. Careful, little sister.

Be dramatic.

- Greetings, brother. - Your best horse is saddled.

- You must flee. - What?

Don't you understand? They want to separate us.

Any way they can.

Would they murder me?

Go back to Pesaro. You'll be safe there.

Forgive me, darling...

And must I leave immediately?

Run your horse into the ground, if necessary.

Let's not lose our heads.

- Lucrezia, come with me. - That's impossible!

- They want to separate you! - That's true.

No, Giannino. I'll join you later.

Go, I beg you.

You're right. I'll get ready.

- He's going to leave? - You're finally free!

- You're a fine brother! - Anything for such a lovely sister.

Thank you.

No, Giannino. Don't lose any time.

Our house is so kind to guests.

You certainly have imagination.

Do you think so, Lucrezia?

With Cesare, the threat was very realistic.

Very.

Look!

The bird had flown away.

Only Lucrezia and the duke remained.

My brother is the one who warned that dog?

Certainly.

The Borgia family is very united.

Too true.

And there are too many of them.

Another body has been pulled out of the Tiber.

It happens all the time.

He must say what he saw.

Two more turns.

Talk!

The pincers.

Stop!

I swear I'll tell everything.

- Tell what? - I lied.

Last night I was setting my nets.

I saw the murderers.

I saw... I swear I'll tell all.

Your Holiness.

What is it?

- Your Holiness. - What news do you bring?

Speak!

My friends, the Duke of Gandia has just been assassinated!

Send in the witnesses... quickly!

Why?

Holy Father.

Speak.

You'll have more gold...

than you ever dreamed.

Speak...

or you'll be tortured again.

- Absolution, Holy Father. - Yes, yes. But talk!

I saw...

I was casting my nets...

before dawn, a troop...

five or six men on horseback.

One of them carried the body slung behind him.

Go ahead, talk. Everything, you bastard!

They stabbed him again.

A masked man apart from the other said...

"Is he finished, Michel?

Are you sure?"

You swear you heard that name?

On my salvation.

And the words, "Are you sure?"

Michel...

I request an audience with His Holiness.

Absolution, Holy Father.

Listen!

A man is coming in.

If his voice is that of the assassins' leader...

say so!

And you will have total absolution.

Yes, Your Holiness.

Go in here.

Hide here.

Your salvation depends on the truth.

His Lordship, Cesare Borgia.

Holy Father, someone has dared attack a Borgia.

Cesare, you must find the criminals.

Criminals, my father?

There were several henchmen...

but only one assassin.

Do you have any suspects?

The Sforzas, perhaps?

- Or the Orsinis? - They wouldn't have dared.

Are you sure?

That's the voice, Holy Father.

The voice. It's him.

Who is this man?

He saw the murder.

Or should I say...

fratricide?

I swear, Father. It's him.

You have a very loose tongue, my friend.

I'll fix that.

Help! Help!

Yes, I killed my brother.

I'll kill anyone who threatens...

the Borgia's greatness!

My brother was your unworthy favorite.

Help! Help!

Come, all of you!

Come witness what I have seen!

Come see my son's assassin!

Is it true?

Are you really locking yourself in a convent?

Yes. I separated you from your Sforza.

Freed you, rather.

Dare tell me you're sorry.

It's not Sforza.

It's my brother.

He'll be avenged.

By you, perhaps?

It's rumored that the duke was murdered by his brother.

And do you know what else?

That I killed him out of jealousy.

That's how far the lies have gone.

Only our unity in public can dissipate such slander.

You didn't really kill him?

Sforza is ready to sign the annulment.

Keeping his hunting dog, of course.

Now I'm alone.

You, alone?

What if I told you I was thinking of another marriage for you?

Another husband... already?

Political reasons, of course.

No. Borgia reasons!

And what I want means nothing!

Wait until you meet him.

Who could your brother have chosen?

A toothless old man?

Or maybe a monster?

Look.

Alphonse of Aragon.

You'll make a lovely couple.

His Holiness the Pope...

has named as his forces...

those of Cesare Borgia...

who will succeed...

the Duke of Gandia.

The Duke of Gandia is dead.

No greater affliction...

could strike us.

We loved him so...

that even the papacy seems worthless...

as does all else.

As for the assassin...

we know nothing.

We are without clues.

You know why we're here.

We'll eat and drink.

Eat! Drink!

Come on, drink!

What are you waiting for, in the name of Christ!

- I can't get near you. - I'm getting married.

What a reason!

He's delightful.

He'll still be just a husband.

But I'll love him.

It's time for you to leave.

It's dangerous to be my friend.

Not yet, please.

You were speaking of a special mission?

Yes, a young captain at my sister's house.

Poor captain!

Tomorrow he will be in a fight he doesn't understand.

Straight through the heart.

I hardly ever miss.

Once I knew a duke...

I know, I know.

- A favor. - All right.

Give me the girl who was standing behind you.

That one?

And?

Give her to me and I'll do anything you want.

She's yours.

The poor boy. So young.

Probably some kind of fight.

All he said was "Lucrezia Borgia."

He who is sitting on the holy throne must know...

that he has forgotten his sacred mission.

Injustice and disorder have led you to forget your sacred mission.

I repeat to you...

injustice and disorder...

have led you to forget your sacred mission.

As for you, you are unworthy.

That is what Savonarola wished to say to His Holiness.

Borgia's troops ravage Italy.

In whose name? For what cause?

Savonarola has spoken.

The wrath of God is nigh.

I'm so happy.

I never dreamed...

You're crying.

I'm so happy with you.

Lucrezia, my love. Why are you crying?

That you hold me in such esteem.

Am I wrong?

Why didn't we meet sooner? If you only knew...

No. Don't finish your sentence.

I waited so long for love.

You already know I love you.

I didn't know what it was to love.

He looks like you. He'll be a Borgia.

He looks like my husband.

Thank you, my child, for having brought me such joy.

You're happy, aren't you?

More than I ever dreamed.

May I also have an audience?

Have you come from Ferrara?

Your Holiness, I bring you greetings from the King of France...

an ally of the Ferraras.

Still utterly happy?

Still, Cesare.

And, thank God, the birth of my child...

will stop any dissolution of this marriage.

She's right.

Yet, one is always in too much of a hurry.

Charles VIII dies, Louis XII succeeds him...

and Alphonse of Aragon's hopes for Naples are compromised.

Poor Alphonse becomes completely useless.

At least in political terms.

I believe that for the glory of the Borgias...

an alliance between Lucrezia...

I am delighted that your lordship appreciates...

the advantages of this union.

Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara.

Of course, but as far as I know, Lady Lucrezia is married.

True, true...

but Cesare Borgia is most skillful...

at making and breaking men...

according to their merit.

What news of my brother-in-law, good doctor?

The duke is now out of danger.

You'll travel on a litter.

That way you'll be able to stand the trip.

Soon I could do it on horseback.

No. We must be in Naples before that.

The air in Rome is bad for you.

How I wish we were already there...

in the gardens overlooking the sea.

Alone with you.

Good news, Lucrezia.

The last criminal was strangled this morning.

Did they confess?

We pulled it out of them.

- So it wasn't a plot? - Just thieves, as I said.

Thank you, Cesare, for coming every day.

It's not surprising that I was concerned.

Today I must speak with you.

Leave us, my dear.

There's nothing that I can't hear.

Just a word.

Cesare can talk to you later. You're still too weak.

Just for a minute, Lucrezia.

You have something...

important to tell me?

You be the judge.

All I have to say to you is this:

What happened in the morning can also happen at night.

Why do you stubbornly refuse to see what is happening?

Yesterday it was your son.

Today it is my husband.

And you do nothing.

It's your daughter who must take up arms.

If I were to meet him in the street, I would spit in his face!

And it's you who are responsible for this!

You're going too far.

Justice will be done.

Your husband had enemies.

Perhaps out of jealousy.

You know there was only one assassin, one enemy...

perhaps a jealous one.

- Believe in me. - In you!

Who still believes in you, Father?

My master has spoken...

"Go and chase him from the throne!"

You let the one man I loved be killed.

Woe to you, Father!

Watch out!

Go down and give orders to push the filth back.

The mob is growing every minute. My throat would be slit in no time.

They've pushed through the gates! It's unbelievable!

They're uncontrollable, my lord.

Before God, I swear...

that I think only of the glory of the Church...

served through the work of the Borgias.

Through your work?

Through your crimes!

What are you doing here?

Why did you flee from Rome?

Why?

Because I was ashamed to be Lucrezia Borgia.

Ashamed to be an assassin's sister!

And for whom is this mass? The recently deceased?

- Your last victim. - Alphonse of Aragon.

The husband you killed...

because I loved him.

You're wrong.

This pious ceremony isn't for one dead man.

It's for all those who have possessed you.

- I only loved one of them! - Shut up! Come here!

Look!

They're all there.

Your companions for a week or a night.

Look.

Filippo, Tybalt...

Mario, Angelico...

and countless others whom I have reunited here...

for eternity!

Shut up! Shut up!

Have my lord come in.

I introduce the Baron of Villeneuve.

Ambassador for His Majesty, Louis XII.

I carry His Highness' wishes...

to greet the Duchess in person soon...

at your home in Ferrara.

Women rarely respond to reasons of state, my lord.

By order of His Holiness, Alexander VI.

I will be in Ferrara, sir.

I've renounced all personal happiness.

"Savonarola, Relapsed Heretic"

Come, look at your fame, Ariosto.

The book is well illustrated, isn't it?

I'd like you to write others.

The court of Ferrara will be rich in arts and letters.

Right, my dear poet?

Right, Bembo, my dear philosopher?

Good news, gentlemen.

Niccolo Machiavelli is coming to see you.

He'll be delighted to see you.

What is in this letter?

The death of Cesare Borgia.

He died in Spain, sword in hand.

You have heard the news, gentlemen.

The court will be in mourning for three months...

possibly for longer.

Clearly, the Borgias can only live in Rome.

Have you pardoned him?

Yes.

You regret nothing?

I did the best I could.

I did what I could for the arts.

I only hope that history...

will revere Lucrezia Borgia as a patron of the arts.

Will I succeed?

With history and legend...

does one ever know?

THE END

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