Just to clarify, I called it an Italian hit because is has been a massive hit in Italy. Also, it’s being released in Australia independently through Sharmill Films.

I wouldn’t allow this one film to turn you Nanni Moretti altogether and if you are after a contemporary Italian film that is different to this then check out Gomorrah.

The plot of Pietro being there every day for his daughter was completely sentimental. The doing business from there was just unbelievable, bordering on slapstick comical, especially with the devices of the beautiful young woman and her dog and the intellectually disabled guy.

I thought the film was clearly made for a wide international audience, using a well-known French actor, clearly contrived English-language pop music and that cameo at the end. The sex scene was just gratuitous and seemed to be one of the many, many contrived boxes that were checked to get the film made.

I came away from the film almost feeling depressed at how bad it was. I don’t think there’s any comparison between Moretti’s role and Peck’s. I truly don’t think I can take Moretti seriously again.

Lastly, I really wish we could get Italian films screening here that aren’t family melodramas. They are all so formulaic, and offer no challenge to an audience at all. They are unashamedly sentimental. I understand they are what the mass arthouse audience want, but it’s not all that Italy produces. This film offers absolutely nothing new whatsoever.