New Italian Cinema

Local cinephiles, this is your last change to experience great foreign films for the rest of the year. The SF Film Society is presenting their 15th annual New Italian Cinema this Sunday, and it's packed with great screenings. The eight-day series will pay tribute to acclaimed director Daniele Luchetti, as well as offer new works from up-and-coming filmmakers.

"Our Life," with Elio Germano. Courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.As part of the Luchetti tribute, "Our Life" ("La Nostra Vita") will open the film series. Saddled with three young kids to support, desperate construction worker Claudio (Elio Germano) bribes his boss and borrows from a loan shark to support his own building project. Disaster after disaster ensue, highlighting the social and economic issues of present-day Rome. Germano's performance also garnered the Best Actor prize at Cannes last year. Plus, who can resist the handsome-as-ever Raoul Bova playing his on-screen brother?

"The First Assignment," courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.Isabella Ragonese does a wonderful job of portraying Nena, the strong, independent heroine of "The First Assignment" ("Il Primo Incarico"). Set in 1950s Puglia, the young teacher is sent to a remote village for her first placement. Leaving her family and her wealthy boyfriend behind, her ragtag group of students and suspicious neighbors make her new life difficult to adjust to. Gorgeously shot along the countryside, Nena's aching loneliness and fierce determination are captured perfectly by debuting director Giorgia Cecere. All in all, a job well done.

"Some Say No," courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.For a lighthearted comedy, "Some Say No" ("C’è Chi Dice No") should please you. Three friends in different fields join forces to fight workplace nepotism in this lively social satire. Journalist Max, doctor Irma and law professor Samuele all lose their promotions when less qualified candidates are chosen over the skilled protagonists.  Fueled with injustice, they take revenge by executing some crazy, hilarious plots. The dialogue can be a bit too glib and overly dramatic at times, but with the romantic backdrop of Florence and good-looking actors, it keeps the story zippy enough to amuse the audience.

New Italian Cinema, November 13-20 at Landmark Embarcadero Center Cinemas: sffs.org

Comments

[Carolyn Jung]

Hey, with scenes of Florence and good looking actors, what more do you need? OK, maybe just a little fresh popped popcorn to munch on..... ;)

[Tami]

Hah! Very true. ;) We also need a fresh batch of truffled popcorn!