Du hast das Leben vor dir

Although Sophia Loren has played too many parts to recount in her 86 years, The Life Ahead is probably as close as she will get to depicting an aging, caring senior who is about ready to leave permanently. The good deeds she, Madame Rosa, has done for others, especially youngsters, travel with her as we see how she guides her latest waif, 12-year-old Momo (Ibrahima Guye) from thief and dealer to loving child for an old lady.

While this premise may sound maudlin, it is not. Directed by her son, Eduardo Ponti, this melodrama with thriller touches is all about Momo finding love and connection and Rosa coming to terms with her Holocaust memories while doing her best good deeds at the end of her life. The screen has a few touching minor characters like Dr. Coen, who attends to Rosa also as a friend, and Lola (Abril Zamora), a transgender caregiver who shares affection with her dear old friend.

The Life Ahead is restrained with few high moments. Rather, small interactions lead to our seeing the good in every life, even those of which we don't approve. Rosa is a former hooker, about whom one couldn't harbor criticism or disdain. Like her friends, Lola gives succor when she can, indulges regrets when they come, and searches for love right to the end of the film.

She is "good" just as she tells Momo he is. And that's enough.

Sophia Loren at 86 has returned to us along with her Co-Star Ibrahima Gueye in her son's film. Though the film is a re-make and the story rather predictable, what is not is the performance of these two actors. The cast is good, but the leads are on a different level. And their final scenes together are deeply moving. I have never seen Ms Loren more touching and filled with grace, nor a 12-year-old boy more beautiful and talented. Sophia has given us a gift in both the film and this young actor whose future is so brilliant.

I checked on this movie after reading an article on NYT about Ms. Sophia Loren - an exemplary actress. I wasn't prepared for how emotional this movie will make me. I bawled several times while watching and it actually made me contemplate my latter years. Phenomenal acting by all (Madam Rosa, Momo, Lola ). I'll remember this movie for years to come. Please watch it in Italian then subtitle in your language . You won't regret it !!

I was really excited to watch this as it really seemed like the type of film i love. I was unfortunately a little disappointed.

The movie looks great and it made me want to visit this gorgeous seaside town. Every scene has this warm, golden glow from the sun, it looks so good.

The acting is also great too, both leads did a great job. I think they really help keep this film afloat because it has a mixture of different problems that weigh it down.

I can't exactly put into words what it was missing but it just didn't fully click. It was a little bit surface level and i wanted to really get to know these characters and really feel the happiness and sadness that they feel. I didn't feel much of a connection between the two main characters. I wish they had jus done a little more to show us them bonding.

I also think the score and soundtrack is really here, there and everywhere. It really effected the film for me and took me out of it. Some parts where subtle and melancholy but then it has these really modern songs blasting out and sometimes a different score playing that just seemed really out of place. I guess i wanted more of the sad, moody score.

I think that describes what i wanted from the whole movie to be honest. I just wanted more emotions, more sadness, more happiness. Don't get me wrong the ending is pretty sad but i just think it would have had such a bigger pay off with more emotions before hand.

I would definitely give it a watch as it looks great and the acting is as well. I don't know it just didn't click the way i was hoping it would.

What a movie! Sophia Loren comes back from retirement to deliver an amazing performance... Gueye manages to make u remember the cruel reality where we live: immigrants, prostitutes, trans, abandoned children... From the performances, photography... it's entirely worth to watch it... ah! This is not a "happy meal box", it's a real piece of art... And Laura Pausini's song... oh! she does deserve an Oscar for that... suggestion... watch it Italian with subtitles in your language... you will miss a lot with the translations...