Genre: Romantic Comedic Drama

Language: Italian with English Subtitles

Director: Paolo Virzì

Cast: Valerio Mastandrea, Micaela Ramazzotti, Stefania Sandrelli

Released: 2010

Duration: 118 Minutes

Rating: M contains violence, sexual references & offensive language

Distribution: Palace Films

2010 David Di Donatello: Best Actor, Best Actress & Best Screenplay

This touching and nostalgic drama from Paolo Virzì, director of the 2009 festival's opening night smash-hit 'Her Whole Life Ahead', tells the story of a misanthropic son returning to his hometown to see his mother.

In 1971, at a popular beach resort near the Tuscan port of Livorno, gorgeous wife and mother, Anna (Micaela Ramazzotti), is roped into a beauty contest. Her jealous husband, Mario (Sergio Albelli), is enraged by the attention from assorted wolf-whistlers, while 8-year-old son Bruno is horrified by the spectacle of it all. His younger sister Valeria is the only one enjoying the scene.

Jump to the present, when Bruno (Valerio Mastandrea) gets an urgent visit from Valeria (Claudia Pandolfi) telling him their mother (Stefania Sandrelli) is sick. Bruno tries to wriggle out of going back to Livorno but finally agrees, the trip triggering an assortment of bittersweet memories.

Beautifully shot by Nicola Pecorini (The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus), the 1971 scenes are particularly evocative. The film was Italy's nomination to the 2010 Academy Awards.

"A masterpiece of the spirit" L'Unità.

"Virzì goes straight to the heart" La Stampa.

"A highly polished crowd-pleaser featuring great performances all around" The Hollywood Reporter.