This movie is not pretentious and that's why it was never consider a masterpiece of Italian cinema, but actually it is. It's entertaining from beginning to end, really great actors, some scenes (actually 3/4 of the movie) entered the collective memory of Italy, it plays with Italian stereotypes without being offensive, engrossing or ridiculous. It seems like a simple movie but it's full of references to other movies, art, Italian culture and politics. Like some old Italian comedy masterpieces, it manages to deliver a sad story with really deep moments and being funny from beginning to end. I do believe it's the most influential moment of Italian comedy from the 90s till now, and unfortunately nobody else managed to deliver a movie so simple, smart and funny since then. If you are not Italian, maybe you'll find some moments difficult to understand, but give it a try, especially if you are studying Italy related things.