Genre: Romantic Comedy

Language: Italian with English Subtitles

Director: Giovanni Veronesi

Cast: Carlo Verdone, Luciana Littizzetto, Silvio Muccino, Sergio Rubini, Margherita Buy

Released: 2005

Duration: 115 Minutes

Rating: M contains sex scenes and offensive language

Distribution: Palace Films

Winner 2005 David Di Donatello (Italian Academy) Awards – Best supporting Actor and Actress plus 10 nominations

Entertainingly frank, snappy and engaging, the smash-hit romantic comedy from Giovanni Veronesi (‘What will become of us?’) is Italy’s biggest box office success for many years.  Bright, handsomely crafted, and featuring an all-star cast, ‘Manual of love’ is a terrific energetic film.

Four tales of love and betrayal: Tommaso (Silvio Muccino) meets and falls madly in love with the beautiful but aloof Giulia (Jasmine Trinca); Barbara (Margherita Buy) and Marco (Sergio Rubini) are a couple losing the spark in their relationship; traffic cop Ornella (Luciana Littizzetto) strays from her marriage; meanwhile melancholic paediatrician Goffredo (Carlo Verdone) isn’t so lucky in trying to win back his wife.

A kaleidoscopic story with flashes of romance, crisis, betrayal and desertion.

 “Director Giovanni Veronesi manages to squeeze laughs out of almost every situation without resorting to cheap shots or artifice.  There are no messages, except perhaps the simple truth: love is wonderful, mysterious and magical, but it can also mean pain.  Thoroughly entertaining and satisfying, ‘Manual of Love’ is a showcase of excellent contemporary Italian filmmaking.” 
Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile Australia