Giuliana Lojodice Movies
- 2001
In this drama, Malena (Beatriz Spelzini) was born and raised in Argentina, where she fell victim to violence and abuse by government-backed right-wing forces. In time, Malena was able to escape to Italy, where she became involved with a group of political radicals and later married a man named Nanni (Emilio Bonucci). After the group became involved in a conspiracy to murder a judge, a few of their number informed on them to the police, and as a result several ended up behind bars. One of Malena's former associates, Roberto (Franco Castellano), has just been released from prison after serving 18 years for his part in the assassination plot. Roberto wants Malena to join him in a plan to get revenge against those who informed against him. Malena, however, is torn; all these years later, most of the former radicals (including the informers) are now respectable members of the community and she's loathe to disrupt their new lives, and while she feels a loyalty to Roberto, they were once lovers as well as comrades, which complicates matters in her relationship with Nanni. Riconciliati was shown in competition at the 2001 Berlin Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Franco Castellano, Emilio Bonucci, (more)
Fuori Dal Mondo/Not of This World tells a story about people learning to deal with their responsibilities and follow their true path in life. Caterina (Margherita Buy) is a novice nun who is soon to take her vows. One day, while taking a walk in the park, she discovers a newborn baby which has been wrapped in a sweater. While Caterina immediately turns the child over to the proper authorities, she feels compelled to find out more about the baby and its parents. A tag on the sweater leads her to Ernesto (Silvio Orlando), a mean-spirited type who operates a dry cleaning shop. Ernesto eventually admits that he may be the child's father, and, as he and Caterina get to know each other, he begins to open up and realize the importance of accepting his responsibilities. Similarly, Caterina begins to realize her desire to have a child of her own, and her growing attraction to Ernesto, may mean a life in the church may not be right for her. Meanwhile, the child's mother has to deal with her guilt and confusion, her unhappy relationship with her family, and her need to build a new and healthier life for herself. Fuori Dal Mondo/Not of This World marks the fourth collaboration between actress Margherita Buy and director Giuseppe Piccioni. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Margherita Buy, Silvio Orlando, (more)
In this WW II tragicomedy, famed Italian funnyman Roberto Benigni (The Monster) portrays Guido, who moves during the '30s from the country to a Tuscan town, where he is entranced by schoolteacher Dora (Nicoletta Braschi, Benigni's real-life wife). Dora likes Guido, but she remains faithful to her pompous fiancé, so Guido has an uphill struggle. Meanwhile, anti-Semitic attitudes lead to attacks against Guido's Jewish uncle (Giustino Durano). Leaping ahead to five years later, during WW II, Guido and Dora are married and have a son Giosue (Giorgio Cantarini). After they are imprisoned in a concentration camp, Guido goes to elaborate lengths to keep his son from understanding the truth of their situation. He tells the boy that they are competing with others to win an armored tank -- so everything from food shortages to tattoos is explained as necessary for participation in the contest. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, (more)
