Boskizzi Reviews

Io, noi e Gaber (2023)

Trani a Go Go!

[7/10 · 22 November 2023]

This documentary is not bad at all. For my personal taste, I would have preferred it a bit shorter, however. In some cases the footage seemed to me weighed down by unnecessary frills, too many people walking around unnecessarily. I would also have liked a more conspicuous presence of singing and a few more glimpses of the Milan of yesteryear, the one Gaber frequented. Poetic and tear-jerking ending. I am sorry Beppe Viola is never mentioned. Antonio Albanese is also seen only once: too little. In any case, I recommend its viewing to lovers of the Milanese singer. And don't forget... Trani a go go!

Adventures Italian Style (2020)

Interesting independent film.

[7/10 · 20 August 2023]

An independent film, shot largely in Romania, that gives a glimpse into what life must have been like in Eastern Europe before the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was definitely made with limited resources, but that doesn't make it appear poor. Both the direction and acting are good, and I particularly enjoyed the cinematography and editing. At times, it seemed naive, but perhaps that was true of the three friends who embarked on the journey. Being based on a true story, I trust in the sincerity and unawareness of the protagonists. The end credits were interesting, featuring original photos and footage.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

"Once Upon a Time in America" is a grand summary of the entire filmography.

[10/10 · 5 August 2023]

What a film! I can't understand how it could have received so few awards, but I see that time has worked its magic, and today it is hailed as one of the greatest of all time. Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America" is a bit like Noodles' revenge, superior and experienced by a grand master. The film blends all the narrative combinations of gangster movies: friendship and love, betrayal, fear, and cruelty. "Once Upon a Time in America" is a grand summary of the entire filmography. Even the original cuts, perhaps made to make it shorter and less demanding, now do full justice to this cinematic project.

Closely Watched Trains (1966)

A beautiful film that I am happy to have watched.

[8/10 · 23 July 2023]

I really enjoyed the book by Hrabal from which this film was adapted, so I decided to watch it. It is undoubtedly tragicomic, always on the edge of surrealism, blending love and innocence with the squalor of war. Shot almost entirely within a Czechoslovakian train station, a sort of navel of the world, it nevertheless touches on the great themes of the era and anticipates a certain anti-regime critique. The black and white photography is very striking. The performances are very good, characterizing the characters and capturing the original spirit imagined by Hrabal. It may not be an absolute masterpiece, but it is a beautiful film that I am happy to have watched.

Mixed by Erry (2023)

A story that could only happen in Naples

[7/10 · 22 June 2023]

A film based on a true story, which although overly fictionalized, still gives a good glimpse into the epic tale of "Mixed by Erry." We are in Naples, one of the most musical cities in the world, where three brothers invented the cassette business. The film tells the story very well, it could almost be an American film, the way it was made: poor people who become rich by challenging the status quo. A story that could only happen in Naples. Perhaps a bit too much comedy, but it's fine. They also added a bit of romance, which never hurts. The ending is foreshadowed from the beginning, because good always triumphs. Or maybe not.

Che ora è? (1989)

Mastroianni and Troisi, what a pair!

[9/10 · 12 June 2023]

More than a film, this movie is a sort of long theatrical dialogue. The two protagonists practically monopolize all the scenes and there are very few supporting actors. Mastroianni and Troisi positively impressed me. Certainly, they were two great actors, but together they represented an unknown. And yet the movie works. Perhaps because they were so distant from each other, they also well represented the distance that can exist between father and son. The movie is all about this: a long (non) dialogue between them, about life, death, family, and human relationships in general. In short, a beautiful movie, to which I want to give a very high rating. I have included it among those that I have appreciated the most. I also want to give credit to the director Ettore Scola, because the risk of "monotony" was very high. And yet, I was not bored at all.

Scusate il ritardo (1983)

Life and its torments

[8/10 · 4 June 2023]

A film that for convenience I define as a love story, but where this word includes many others: communication breakdown between sexes, friendship, and family. Perhaps more than a love story, it's a film about life and its torments. Troisi is a master of this genre, because he puts himself mostly into it, as well as Naples and its quirks. This shouldn't scare anyone, as I believe his language is understandable in every corner of the world. A positive note also for Giuliana De Sio, who with her acting supports well what Troisi wanted to convey. In short, a beautiful film that speaks to us about love in a poetic and gentle way.

Sylvie's Love (2020)

An honest movie

[7/10 · 13 May 2023]

An honest movie, for a lovely and peaceful evening dedicated to love. I confess to having watched this film lured by the musical aspect and 1950s settings. I am a record collector and I warn jazz lovers that the part about the record store and concerts is not predominant. No matter, here we are talking about a love story with ups and downs, where in the end... well, it's easy to imagine how it ends, but I won't be the one to spoil it. I don't think I would have watched this movie without the lure of its setting, but in the end I did and so, here I am reviewing it. I would say it's decent, nothing too demanding.

A Brighter Tomorrow (2023)

A metafilm into which other films are interwoven

[8/10 · 13 May 2023]

A film that's different from the usual, almost a metafilm into which other films are interwoven. Moretti talks to us about history, politics, love, violence, and physical decay. In some ways, it's also very autobiographical. Despite the many themes the director has inserted, everything flows smoothly towards an ending that leaves some threads of hope for the audience. I left the cinema feeling happy, despite everything. For this, I want to thank Moretti. At some point, it wasn't so obvious. The actors' performances were also great, especially those of Silvio Orlando and Margherita Buy, as well as Amalric's. In short, it's the usual Moretti film that never disappoints and I believe can be appreciated not only by an Italian audience but also an international one.

Midway (2019)

Heroic

[7/10 · 7 May 2023]

A film dedicated to a key moment of the Second World War. Heroic, as these types of films often are, its most interesting moments are in the aerial shots and conflicts in the sky. Of course, it exceeds a bit in patriotism, but it was impossible to think otherwise. Despite this, we are still led to reflect on the meaning of life, war, and even death. It has the merit of remembering the great sense of honor of the Japanese soldiers, as well as their loyalty to the emperor. There is also a bit of love in it, which never hurts. In conclusion, a more than sufficient film that I feel I can recommend not only to fans of the genre, but to everyone.

The Forbidden Room (1977)

Halfway between gothic and dramatic

[7/10 · 29 April 2023]

I ended up watching this movie after reading the book from which it was adapted, written by Giovanni Arpino. Adapted by Bernardino Zapponi and enriched with some aspects, it has not lost the charm of the novel. The director did an excellent job. Halfway between gothic and dramatic, it gradually reveals its cards, leading the viewer towards the end. A film almost forgotten today but that deserves to be seen, also for the interpretation of its protagonists. The great scenic couple formed by Vittorio Gassman and Catherine Deneuve is impressive. Anicée Anlvina also intrigued me. An Italian film that deserves a chance, of that I am more than sure.

Maigret à Pigalle (1966)

Pleasant couple of hours in the company of an old friend

[7/10 · 26 April 2023]

I really enjoy reading the Maigret series of books. Because of this, I am a bit biased and have to say that my opinion is a bit higher compared to the reviews I have read. Even after so many years since the film's release, the charm of Pigalle still holds a lot of attraction for me. That alone is enough for me. Jokes aside, I don't find Gino Cervi's interpretation of Maigret to be insufficient; I find him to be a completely believable Commissioner Maigret. The plot is a bit convoluted, but still easy to follow. In short, not the best Maigret, but not the worst either. I recommend this film to anyone looking for an old-fashioned detective story that, despite everything, makes for a pleasant couple of hours in the company of an old friend.

Bullitt (1968)

Probably the most beautiful car chase in all of Hollywood cinema

[7/10 · 22 April 2023]

Probably the most beautiful car chase in all of Hollywood cinema. That alone is worth the price of admission to the theater. Apart from that, I came to this movie after the chapter Quentin Tarantino dedicated to it in his recent book. Deservedly so, I would say. The forerunner of tough and pure cops, Bullitt has charisma and charm to spare, thanks in large part to Steve McQueen. The role fits him perfectly. The soundtrack is also one of the most iconic around, Lalo Schifrin knew what he was doing. Thank you Quentin for introducing me to this old film, which I include among the classics of the genre.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Masterful film!

[9/10 · 21 April 2023]

I confess. I didn't think I would like a movie about women's boxing. However, Million Dollar Baby managed to keep me glued to the TV until the end. End is the right word, even if it's a finale that I would have wanted to be different. I would have wanted a more typical American movie ending and less of a Greek tragedy. But that's not how it turned out. And it's better that way. Boxing is just an excuse to tackle delicate themes such as life, death, and relationships. Great actors for an Oscar-worthy performance. Overall, a masterful film, one of those to be included in the list of the most beautiful films of all time.

Easy! (2011)

Take it easy

[7/10 · 16 April 2023]

Overall, a truthful movie, to which I gave a decent rating. The screenplay is typical of a certain contemporary Italian cinema, but it is watchable until the end, with an unexpected twist. Fabrizio Bentivoglio's performance is excellent, portraying a slightly down-on-his-luck professor who will redeem himself brilliantly. Barbara Bobulova's appearance also adds some spice to the film. I've seen much worse and I recommend it for a couple of hours exploring the complexity of human relationships: fathers and sons, men and women. In short, not a masterpiece but it's good enough. As they say in Rome: Scialla!!! (which roughly translates to 'take it easy' or 'chill out')