An all-girls school is shaken by the prospect of a beautiful cake – an extravagant, tempting indulgence in an era of rationing and sacrifice.
Malarazza (2017)
Giovanni Virgilio’s “Malarazza,” set in his hometown of Catania, explores the ramifications and gradual self-destruction of a family entrenched in the mafia.
The Eight Mountains (2022)
The vast landscapes of “The Eight Mountains” create open spaces as symbols of both liberation and isolation, weighted further as a geographic manifestation of an emotional void.
#36: The 34th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival
Quick recap on the Italian films featured at the festival, including “Nostalgia” and “Freaks Out.”
#35: Martin Eden (Pietro Marcello, 2019)
Pietro Marcello brings Jack London’s Oakland-set novel to Naples in his innovative adaptation.
#34: Blood and Black Lace (Mario Bava, 1964)
A Roman fashion house is terrorized by a faceless killer in this endlessly stylish, thrilling midcentury mystery.
#33: I Am Love (Luca Guadagnino, 2009)
A married Russian-Italian mother finds a new passion for life when she meets a younger chef.
#32: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Vittorio De Sica, 1963)
Vittorio De Sica explores Italian romance past, present, and future in his award-winning film starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
Marilyn’s Eyes (2021)
“Marilyn’s Eyes” has occasional moments that are genuinely touching, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark as a socially conscious comedy.
#31: The Wonders (Alice Rohrwacher, 2014)
A struggling family of bee farmers get the chance to represent their way of life on a TV competition show.