Category Archives: Italian
Saturn in Opposition (2007)
“Rules exist even in relationships.” In Saturn in Opposition (Saturno Contro), director Ferzan Ozpetek creates a vibrant, vital film that deals with issues such as friendship, death, loss and grief. The film quickly establishes the relationships between a close-knit group … Continue reading
Filed under Ferzan Ozpetek, Italian
Burn (1969)
“The guerilla fights for an idea.” BURN director Gillo Pontecorvo’s scathing critique of colonialism is set against backdrop of the exploitative sugar trade of the 19th century. If you get over the problem of Marlon Brando playing a blond Englishman … Continue reading
Filed under Political/social films, Pontecorvo
Sacco and Vanzetti (1971)
“Are you an anarchist, a communist, a socialist, a union man?” The true story of Sacco and Vanzetti is practically forgotten these days, but the 1971 Italian film directed by Guilano Montaldo recreates the politically charged murder and robbery case … Continue reading
Filed under Italian, Political/social films
Days and Clouds (2007)
“We kept living as though nothing had happened.” The excellent Italian drama Days and Clouds (aka Giorni e Nuvole) charts the disintegration of the marriage of an affluent middle-aged couple as their fortunes change for the worse. When the film … Continue reading
Elective Affinities (1996)
“This tragedy comes as deliverance.” Elective Affinities is set in 19th Century Italy. Widow Carlotta (Isabelle Huppert) and Edouard (Jean-Hugues Anglade) meet again after a twenty-year separation. Their interrupted love affair immediately resumes, and they marry quickly. The blissful couple … Continue reading
Filed under Isabelle Huppert, Italian, Period Piece
I’m Not Scared (2003)
A marvelous film We know within the first few scenes of the wonderful Italian film, I’m Not Scared that the protagonist, Michele (Giuseppe Cristiano) is a very unique boy. He has a moment of choice, and whereas many ten year … Continue reading
Filed under Italian
Lamerica (1994)
“Men with lice don’t sleep well.” Lamerica from director Gianni Amelio is a political film set in Albania. Albania has just emerged from years of communist rule, and two opportunistic Italians, Gino and Fiore come to Albania to set up … Continue reading
Filed under Italian
Hercules Against the Moon Men (1964)
“Under the evil influence of Uranus.” Hercules Against the Moon Men–an Italian sword and sandal film–is every bit as absurd as its title suggests. Wicked Queen Samara (Delia D’Alberti) rules the kingdom of Samar, and she’s secretly in cahoots with … Continue reading
Filed under Italian
Bread and Tulips (2000)
“Once again, happiness knocked on my door in vain.” Italian housewife, Rosalba Barletta (Licia Maglietta) is on en route back home after a holiday with her obnoxious loudmouth husband and their two teenage sons. Rosalba is inadvertently left behind at … Continue reading
Filed under Italian
Harem Suare (1999)
“The Sultan likes happy endings.” Director Ferzan Ozpetek sets his film Harem Suare (Last Harem) in the twilight days of the Ottoman Empire. The story revolves around Safiye (Marie Gillian), a harem dweller who was sold to the Sultan at … Continue reading
Filed under Ferzan Ozpetek, Italian, Turkish
