25/02/2024
The best of youth - 2003 film! - Link in comment!
"The Best of Youth" is a sprawling Italian film directed by Marco Tullio Giordana, originally released in 2003. The film follows the lives of two brothers, Nicola and Matteo Carati, over a span of several decades, from the 1960s to the 2000s, capturing their personal journeys against the backdrop of Italy's social and political changes.
At its core, "The Best of Youth" is a deeply humanistic exploration of family, friendship, love, and the pursuit of happiness. The film's strength lies in its richly drawn characters and their evolving relationships, which feel authentic and relatable. Nicola and Matteo, portrayed convincingly by Luigi Lo Cascio and Alessio Boni, respectively, anchor the narrative with their contrasting personalities and trajectories.
One of the film's most commendable aspects is its ambitious scope, which allows it to encompass a wide array of historical events and societal issues, including political activism, mental illness, and the Mafia's influence. Through the brothers' experiences, the film offers a poignant commentary on Italy's turbulent recent history and the ways in which it shapes individual lives.
Visually, "The Best of Youth" is stunning, with cinematography that captures the beauty of Italy's landscapes and cityscapes, as well as the intimate moments between its characters. The film's lengthy runtime (clocking in at over six hours in its original miniseries format) might seem daunting, but it allows for a thorough exploration of its characters and themes, ultimately rewarding viewers with a deeply immersive experience.
Overall, "The Best of Youth" is a masterful epic that resonates on both a personal and political level. Its emotionally resonant storytelling, strong performances, and thematic richness make it a standout achievement in Italian cinema. Whether you're a fan of family dramas, historical epics, or simply compelling storytelling, this film is not to be missed.
