We saw this gem of a small movie at our local preview club. What a gem! If you're looking for big-issue movies or blockbusters, forget this one. This is a simple, very Italian story about a man who lives with and takes care of his mother, and the surprising joy he, mama, and their new friends receive during the Italian holiday of "ferragosto," when everyone who's anyone leaves Rome on holiday.
In fact, having spent a good deal of time in Rome, I can say with confidence that this movie is more than just Italian. It's as Roman as the Forum, Piazza Navona, or Giolitti's ice cream.
The cast, largely filled by non-professionals, is wonderful, sweet, and very real. Our "hero," if you can call him that, wonderfully played by director and writer Gianni de Gregorio, has the perfect puzzled and world-weary face for this (non-)journey in the Roman mid-summer heat. He's reminiscent of Jerry Orbach with a major Italian shrug.
There's nothing trite here, and nothing not to love.
In fact, having spent a good deal of time in Rome, I can say with confidence that this movie is more than just Italian. It's as Roman as the Forum, Piazza Navona, or Giolitti's ice cream.
The cast, largely filled by non-professionals, is wonderful, sweet, and very real. Our "hero," if you can call him that, wonderfully played by director and writer Gianni de Gregorio, has the perfect puzzled and world-weary face for this (non-)journey in the Roman mid-summer heat. He's reminiscent of Jerry Orbach with a major Italian shrug.
There's nothing trite here, and nothing not to love.