poetic and romantic

Attilio de Giovanni (Benigni) teaches poetry at the university, and is in love with Vittoria (Braschi) whom he dreams of marrying every night in his shorts and t-shirt, while Tom Waits sings. One day, Vittoria travels to Iraq with her poet friend Fouad (Jean Reno) and is in an accident. Attilio will do anything to be by her side. Will love conquer?

Benigni as the director signs here a film about war in Iraq, love, survival, romance, life, poetry and most of all, human relationships during a time of war. His opinions are clear. This is not a simple comedy or drama.

Benigni as the actor slightly overacts, but doesn't he always? Braschi is a delight as always, and Jean Reno is wonderful as the Iraqi poet who returns to his country. He also had a great Italian coach, for his Italian is near perfect! It was refreshing to see Tom Waits in this movie, although he was simply a "musician" and didn't have a speaking role.

Well directed and with as usual great music by Nicola Piovani, I found the movie much better than expected, and would watch again any time.


8/10