The Return of the Prodigal Son (2003): cast, story & where to watch
2003 · Film · ★ 5.3
Released in 2003, The Return of the Prodigal Son is a drama film directed by Jean-Marie Straub, running about 34 minutes.
What it’s about. In Italy, immediately subsequent to the war, a group of people who lost all they possessed during the conflict, settle in a village in ruins. They intend to restore the city from the rubble and re-start life, in imitation of the women of Messina who rebuilt their city, destroyed as it was by an earthquake. Oscillating between respect and suspicion, co-existence between group members is tense. Things become complicated when an envoy from the government arrives to say that nothing there belongs to them. The film is a free adaptation of fragments of the novella ‘The Women of Messina’, by Sicilian writer Elio Vittorini.
Who’s in it. The Return of the Prodigal Son stars Martina Gionfriddo, Andrea Balducci, Gabriella Taddei and Vittorio Vigneri, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.3/10, The Return of the Prodigal Son has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Return of the Prodigal Son page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Return of the Prodigal Son tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Return of the Prodigal Son (2003)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Return of the Prodigal Son change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Return of the Prodigal Son worth watching?
- The Return of the Prodigal Son holds an audience score of 5.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Return of the Prodigal Son?
- The Return of the Prodigal Son stars Martina Gionfriddo, Andrea Balducci, Gabriella Taddei, Vittorio Vigneri and Aldo Fruttuosi.
- When was The Return of the Prodigal Son released?
- The Return of the Prodigal Son was released in 2003, with a runtime of about 34 minutes.