Michael's Movie Grade: B+ Excellent filmmaking and incredible acting make this story we have seen quite a few times before somehow seem fresh and new. I know what has attracted many to this movie (including me) was that it has Sophia Loren in a major role (this is her first movie in 10 years and it is directed and cowritten by her son Edoardo Ponti). Good news for all of those people, she is incredible in this movie. She is still an actress of the highest quality and she can still command the screen every time she is on and yet allow the other actors to shine at the same time. It takes a real star to do this and there is no doubt that Sophia is a real star through and through. Sophia Loren isn't the only star of this movie and she isn't the only one who turns in an incredible performance. Child actor, Ibrahima Gueye (in his first feature film) not only gave a fantastic performance but held his own with a great cast. He plays his part to perfection and brings a real sense of humanity to a character that played by a lesser actor could have been a bit unlikable. As stated before, there is nothing new about the storyline, but it is told quite well. The relationship between our two main characters is delightfully fleshed out. There is nothing about this relationship that feels rushed or unearned and we truly believe that the two truly care about each other underneath any arguments they may have. The side characters while not as fleshed out are still likable and believable. They have their own side stories that are interesting enough to serve their purpose and make the characters seem real, but that never distract from the main story or feel like padding. The emotional moments in this film always hit just the right spot. This movie is simply a delight and highly recommended. Note: Anyone interested in seeing this film can watch it on Netflix. -Michael J. Ruhland
Comments