La vida por delante

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.

It was an indescribable joy to watch the great star who became more and more beautiful like wine over the years. I just revere...

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 !!

When Sophia Loren was younger she could rely on her beauty - but even back then I would argue that you could tell that there was more to her than just her looks. Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some may not thought of her as beautiful for personal reasons. That aside though, she has aged very beautiful and she is still stunning looking.

Now some may already have given up on me or this review for it being too focused on her looks. But to deny that or not mention it at all, would be a disservice to what she stood for and what people thought of her. It would also be missing the point that you might have been blinded by that exterior and miss her acting talent! She plays so wonderfully here, I would hope she continues to make more movies ... because while others retain a certain vanity even after a certain age, she seems completely free of that, which makes her and her performance even more amazing! I think the Oscars came knocking ... I would not be surprised ...

The movie is an emotional tour de force, taking the audience through the trials of age, loss, loneliness, tragedy, respect, religion, friendship, and life.

Sophia Loren is captivating and she's surrounded by a strong, supporting cast.