Terraferma- Crialese. Moving story based on the true, ongoing situation of boat people headed for the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. Most of it is in dialect. Rating: R for Recommended.
The Jewel- Molaioli. With Toni Servillo, one of Italy's most talented actors. Based on the bankruptcy of dairy giant Parmalat. Rating: R (but could have been better).
Dormant beauty-Bellocchio. An episode movie with the common theme of euthanasia, graced by the presence of French actress Isabelle Huppert. Bellocchio is one of the remaining grand old men of Italian cinema, but this movie isn't so grand. Rating: M for Meh.
Honey-Golino. Lovely actress Valeria Golino (in the photo) has moved into directing and has done herself proud. Another movie on euthanasia (what's up with that?). Rating: R.
Five star life- Tognazzi. Maria Sole Tognazzi, daughter of the late great Ugo, has directed this bit of fluff that is the epitome of First World Problems. With Margherita Buy, who apparently has a contract to appear in every Italian movie made- although I can't imagine why. Rating: P for Pffftt.
More mini-reviews of Italian movies coming soon.
