This film is definitely worth tracking down for Italian cinema connoisseurs for two reasons:
1) it's the (rather decent) directing debut of Paolo Virzi', one of the most acclaimed Italian film makers of recent memory. 2) It's the first real breakthrough role, both critically and for the public, for Sabrina Ferilli, which was shortly to become the most beloved actress in her own country, the years to follow. Her talents here (both thespian and physical it has to be said) are well on display and really deserving of her first acting prize of her career (the Silver Ribbon).
The film itself is a humble and bitter/sweet tale set among the ordinary folks of provincial Tuscany. It involves a young married couple (Bruno and Mirella) and their 'maturation' process, through small ambitions, delusions, betrayals, hope and (possible) reconciliation, no 'big picture' no 'happy ending' here: just life.
Needlees to say that here you won't see the same Tuscany that you see in "Room with a view" or "Under the Tuscan sun", but a Tuscany as it is really seen by millions of its inhabitants, having too much trouble dealing with the mundaneness of ordinary life to care about big romantic affairs or strolling along picturesque landscapes and medieval towns.
The world might have Monica Bellucci, but Italians have preferred to keep Sabrina all for themselves............... and who can blame them?
