In his 1978 film "Avere vent'anni" (To Be Twenty), director Fernando Di Leo attempts to capture the essence of youth, rebellion, and the complexities of growing up during a tumultuous era in Italy. Starring Gloria Guida and Lili Carati as two young women embarking on a journey of self-discovery, the film offers an intriguing blend of drama, comedy, and social commentary. However, despite its promising premise and some noteworthy performances, the movie ultimately falls short of delivering a truly memorable experience.
The film follows Lia (Gloria Guida) and Tina (Lili Carati) as they escape their restrictive lives in search of freedom and adventure. Their journey takes them from the countryside to the bustling city, where they encounter a variety of characters and situations that challenge their beliefs and force them to confront their own naivety. As they navigate their way through this new world, they must also grapple with issues such as sexuality, politics, and the ever-present threat of violence.
One of the film's strongest aspects is its depiction of the social and political climate of 1970s Italy. Di Leo does an excellent job of capturing the tension and unrest that permeated the country during this time, as well as the sense of disillusionment felt by many young people. The film's exploration of these themes adds a layer of depth and relevance that elevates it above a simple coming-of-age tale.
Another highlight of "Avere vent'anni" is the chemistry between Gloria Guida and Lili Carati. Their performances as Lia and Tina are both engaging and believable, effectively conveying the sense of excitement, confusion, and trepidation that comes with being on the cusp of adulthood. The bond between their characters is palpable, and their friendship serves as the emotional core of the film.
However, despite these strengths, "Avere vent'anni" suffers from a number of flaws that prevent it from reaching its full potential. One of the most glaring issues is the film's uneven tone, which oscillates between serious drama and slapstick comedy without ever finding a satisfying balance. This inconsistency can be jarring at times, and it often undermines the emotional impact of certain scenes.
Additionally, the movie's pacing can be sluggish, with some sequences feeling overly drawn out and others rushing through important plot points. This unevenness makes it difficult to fully invest in the story or the characters, and it contributes to a sense of disjointedness that permeates the film.
In conclusion, "Avere vent'anni" is a film with both commendable qualities and significant flaws. While its exploration of 1970s Italian society and the performances of Gloria Guida and Lili Carati are certainly noteworthy, the movie's uneven tone and pacing issues ultimately detract from its overall impact. Despite these shortcomings, however, the film remains an intriguing, if flawed, examination of youth, rebellion, and the search for identity during a tumultuous period in history.
