The Best of Youth (DVD, 2006)

I think there are two kinds of people in the world: those who have seen "The Best of Youth," and those who, hopefully, will see it soon. I have been a film buff for 50 years, and this is the best movie I have seen in my entire life. Period. (My twentysomething daughter loves it just as much as I do.) It tells the story of an Italian family through almost four decades, but with a few changes in details it could be about any family anywhere at any time. The themes - love, loss, finding one's place in the world, the importance of family in all our lives - are timeless and know no geographic boundaries.

The acting by the large ensemble cast is superb. You really come to CARE about these people. The cinematography is exquisite. Buy it, buy it, buy it! Never mind the 1-5 scale, there ought to be a special "10" award for this movie.

It was a gift for my husband who loves this movie. I think it is quite good too, just dissapointed that there is no Russian subtitles... it is hard enough to watch this movie in Italian and read the subtitles of another foreing (for me) language. I expected to have more subtitle choices for the movie that won some great prizes.

When I first heard this film described as an Italian "soap opera made-for-tv movie" I didn't have high expectations. But it turned out to be one of the most moving and entertaining films I've ever seen. Everything about this film is near perfect -- the acting, writing, directing, cinematography. Part romance, part political intrique, I came to know and really care about ALL of the characters. It made me laugh, and broke my heart. I heartily recommend this movie!

I have seen this film twice and think it is one of the greatest films from Italy, so I wanted to have a copy for later viewing.