A good movie, misrepresented by its cover I found this to be a very good movie, maybe melodramatic (Italian style) but very well scripted and very well acted (especially by Ms Mezzogiorno, who is becoming truly a wonderful actress).
What I find somewhat puzzling is that this movie is described by critics as "irresistibly entertaining" or "uproariously funny". With these premises, promising laughter and entertainment, I can see why some American reviewers are so upset about the shallowness of the characters. But in my opinion it's the distributors and critics who are to blame. I didn't find the script to be so benevolent towards its male characters.
Many of the characters in this movie (especially men) are shallow individuals, unable to accept their responsibilities in life, simply looking for another (younger) lady to sleep with. Even when, like in the case of the main male character, very well played by Stefano Accorsi, their are married to a beautiful, intelligent and loving woman such as the character played by Giovanna Mezziogiorno.
Overall, even though there are several amusing moments, this is quite a serious movie. The shallow attitude of many characters reflects, unfortunately, the reality of a country (MY country) which is becoming more and more shallow every year. A country where "furbizia" (shrewdness) is more praised than "intelligenza" (intelligence), where corruption and infidelity are considered as virtues, where all that matters is appearance, and teenagers only dream of becoming football players or to go on TV, and their parents are actually happy about it.
I am, of course, generalizing too much, but it's not by happenstance that Italy finds itself more and more often at the very bottom of every development indicator among European countries. We are becoming more and more a country of big babies, and I liked "the last kiss" a lot maybe because it reflects this unfortunate trend.
If you liked the american version, you must see this Great movie! Nothing to do with the dumbed - down, ridiculous, pathetic, childish american version. I am used to being dissapointed / insulted by Hollywood's version of foreign films and the "remakes" of classics. They must think american viewers are children unable to handle adult topics and/or follow elaborate multilayered plots. (I guess we all learned that after what they did to Planet of the Apes...)
I laughed and laughed! Funny, intelligent, well acted and scripted! You will like this one!
It's hot. First, watching arguments in Italians is so much more entertaining than watching them in English: It is musical and poetic. Second, not knowing Italian has its advantages: I chose to watch the Italian version over the English version for the reason that I can ignore the actors and focus on the characters. Third, this is not a comedy, but neither was "I Heart Huckabees" or "Star Wars" (I'm just saying). Fourth, as a dude who's about to hit 30, this movie brings some stuff to light that was always there, but I didn't think about. Fifth, regarding the reviewer's opinion: "The viewer is left with no warm feelings about life's decisions[...]" As if anyone makes only warm and happy decisions in life. Also, this reviewer's opinion is not true: At it's most basic level, this film showed how some people's perceptions change over time, while others simply do not.
Quite satisfying This movie is a bittersweet treat. The charming story is packed with energy and characters which are sympathetic in spite of their childish flights from responsibility. I may be a bit biased because the dynamic of the five friends reminds me of that between me and my four best friends.
I read Roger Ebert's review out of curiosity, and I believe he didn't recommend the movie because it doesn't seem to know whether it is funny or sad. Frankly, I rather enjoyed that aspect of the movie. Latent comedy adds texture to even the most dramatic scenes, and the amusing frustration of the characters is underlaid with honest emotions.
COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE - ACTION PACKED LOVED STORIES This movie was so much better than I thought it would be. My family and I watched it over and over again. It truly represents relationships at their best and worst. Love it, love it, love it!!
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
