Have said frequently about appreciating Michaelangelo Antonioni and his films. He is not one of my favourite directors, and he is more one of those "appreciate" rather than "love" directors for me, but a good number of his films are very good to wonderful (namely 'L'avventura', 'L'eclisse' and my favourite 'La Notte') with the odd disappointment here and there (i.e. 'Beyond the Clouds'). Completely understand his appeal and how influential he is.
'I Vinti' (translated as 'The Vanquished') is not one of my favourite Antonioni films, it's not even among my favourites of his early pre-'L'avventura' period. This particular period actually was very interesting, although it was obvious that Antonioini had not yet settled and was finding his style, and saw some intriguing and very well done films (even found liking them very much) that did show his often explored themes and visual style. Even though his later films handled the themes more deeply and broadly, character development generally was clearer and had more emotional impact and staying power as well as a more refined visual style, his early period films were not devoid of these qualities (just that his later films did them better when his style was more settled), are accessible and are not to be dismissed. A very early effort, 'I Vinti' is not an exception and it is a shame that it is one of his rarest films, of the early period and of Antonioni's overall ouevre.
What has been said above does apply with 'I Vinti', comprised of three different stories revolving around the same theme bookended by a prologue and ending. It is not one of my favourite Antonioni films, not even close, but of his (few) more episodic anthology-style films it is one of his better ones (infinitely better than 'Beyond the Clouds' at any rate). 'I Vinti' deals with its themes intriguingly always, with good intentions and quite insightfully at times, not always with depth or fully developed but at least it interested me and weren't go over the top on the flimsiness. It did slightly lack the same amount of emotional impact of other Antonioni films like 'La Notte', while certainly not leaving me cold or indifferent.
Also did find the prologue a little on the preachy side while understanding and acknowledging what it was trying to say, it just could have handled it more subtly. At least though it didn't ramble and provoked thought.
On the other hand, even if not among the most refined or vivid of Antonioni's films, 'I Vinti' is well made with lovely vivid scenery complemented by photography that may not be innovative but is still striking. The three stories are equally well done on their own and together on a structural level they didn't feel disjointed or cobelled together, plus they were accessible and easy to follow. The episodic structure doesn't come over as a hindrance and there is a documentary-style approach at times that was handled well. Antonioini's direction is never dull and felt in control, never got the sense that he was indifferent to the material or didn't know what to do with it.
The writing is thought provoking and doesn't waffle. Of the three stories, my favourite is the French one, being the most atmospheric and harrowing with the widest mix of emotions. Even if motivations are not always clear. The English story is also very interesting, with a wry and knowing tone at times. Can understand why some may find the Italian story bland, being the most somewhat conventional one of the three, but really liked the noir-ish atmosphere both visually and narratively. Did not find myself irritated or bored by the characters and while there aren't any amazing performances exactly, the performances are still very good and everybody has a good understanding of their characters and situations.
In conclusion, intriguing and well done if not one of Antonioni's best. 7/10
