Manuale d'amore

It's a very well-made light-hearted, romantic comedy consisting of several small stories sorted out by the different stages of relationships. The stories were told in such a fluid way that you don't feel disturbed by the director's chronically linear view on relationships, although the figures in different stories were connected in a way or another.

The outstanding performances from every actor in this film also makes the everyday love stories naturally telling. Although the audience can share lots of jokes about relationships in this film, I also like that sometimes the actors talked to the audience directly through the camera. This is a skillful technique to get the audience's empathy and involvement.

Brava & carina - this film is surely very entertaining.

the funniest scenes are in the second story when the couple having difficulties go to visit relatives who have a new baby. The admiration the baby receives is so exaggerated, the disgust . . . well no point in spoiling it. Most of the audience when I went were young Mexicans who were identifying with the characters in the first story but I didn't get hooked until the second one. The problems with parking guards who give fines, arrange for cars to be hauled off etc was probably funnier to the Italian audience but traveled well across the border. The "moral" of the last story was one I wish I'd learned sooner. All in all a very enjoyable evening's entertainment.

Manual of Love (2005), directed by Giovanni Veronesi, is a charming and heartfelt ensemble comedy that explores the complexities of romantic relationships from various angles. The film is structured around four interconnected stories, each focusing on different stages of love - from the excitement of falling in love to the challenges of maintaining a long-term relationship, and everything in between.

The film's narrative is episodic, with each segment tackling a unique theme, such as infidelity, desire, breakups, and the yearning for companionship. The beauty of Manual of Love lies in its ability to explore these themes with a light touch, blending humor and pathos in a way that feels both accessible and deeply human. Though the storylines vary in tone, they all revolve around the vulnerability and complexity that love inevitably brings, offering both comic relief and emotional depth.

The ensemble cast, featuring a mix of established Italian actors like Carlo Verdone, Robert De Niro (in a small, memorable role), and others, bring the script to life with great chemistry. Each actor portrays a character at a different stage in love, giving the film a sense of universality. Verdone, who also co-wrote the script, shines as the director, balancing the comedic and dramatic elements in a way that makes the film feel both grounded and entertaining.

The cinematography and score complement the tone of the film, evoking the romantic, sometimes bittersweet atmosphere of Italy itself. The lush settings - whether it's a bustling Roman café or a quiet suburban apartment - provide the perfect backdrop for the characters' emotional journeys.

While Manual of Love may not break new ground in its exploration of relationships, it excels in its execution, offering viewers an affectionate, funny, and ultimately optimistic take on love in all its forms. It's a film that understands love's messiness and imperfections and doesn't shy away from portraying it with warmth and sincerity.

Ultimately, Manual of Love is an enjoyable film that captures the essence of romantic relationships in a way that feels both lighthearted and thoughtful. It's a warm reminder of the joys and struggles of love, making it a delightful watch for anyone who's ever been swept up in the whirlwind of romance.

I really enjoyed the first novel. Jasmine Trinca is absolutely sexy and smart there. Although, I would not find Tomasa a perfect match to her, he did played very well.

I am surprised that this movie has not received much of attention of critics and media.

I am big fan of Jasmine after this movie. She is the best! Next novels were not so interesting for me, although I did find amusing one scene about pregnancy and the way everybody watched mother delivering a baby in a hospital.

I would recommend watching Manuale Di Amore to everyone.

A flaw that I feared before watching this movie was stereotypes about love, like men playing tricks on women to conquer them or betrayals with best friends. As a matter of fact the movie is divided into various parts, each one describing a stage of love: falling in love, crisis, betrayal and abandon. The different mini-stories are tied with each other by characters who are somehow related and the end of the movie connects with the beginning as an ideal circle. Despite the same old stories about relationships and developments of love stories, this movie has anyway some good aspects. For example, each actor plays his own repertoire, displaying their qualities in what they do best and for what they're known for. The best sketches, in my opinion,are made by Goffredo, played by Carlo Verdone, and Marco, played by Sergio Rubini, who offer the sense of humor shown in their own movies.