Monstrously funny!
Italian comedy duo Pio and Amedeo are stars of stage, television, radio, and the written word. Their latest project is the feature comedy Belli Ciao directed and co-written by Gennaro Nunziante.
Chosen as the opening night movie for this year’s festival, Belli Ciao tells the story of two friends, Pio and Amedeo. Inseparable from childhood, they grow up together in a traditional, Southern Italian town. After high school, Pio goes off to Milan to make his fortune, while Amedeo stays behind, opening a medical aids store. After losing touch for many years, Pio returns to the town as a big financier, ready to loan the local council several million Euros for civic restoration. Amedeo then travels up to Milan to negotiate the deal, and things disintegrate rapidly from there, with Amedeo’s hick ways not sitting well with Pio’s girlfriend (a successful Instagram influencer).
Nunziate has put together a contemporary comedy of manners. Here is the classic Italian divide: north v south. But also the divide in most countries between small-town ideals and big city, modern values. This trope could have lead to some predictable shooting of comedic fish in slapstick barrels. Instead, the team has delivered a truly hysterically funny film, grounded firmly in character, rather than caricature.
It is easy to see how Pio D’Antini and Amedeo Grieco have become as popular as they are. They form a tight, yet easy-going duo, feeding off each other, and keeping the comedy meticulously on-beat. They are supported by a superb cast playing small town residents, Pio’s parents, Pio’s fellow Milanese, and the town council. Particularly hilarious is Giorgio Colangeli as the Mayor who constantly breaks into Latin.
This is a comedy that delivers in spades. A delight to Italians and non-Italians alike, and with some gentle messages for us all about friendship, family, and home. A total winner!
Belli Ciao screens as part of the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival until October 16th at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect
Click here for further details, and to book tickets.
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