Belli Ciao – REVIEW
Image: Film still from Belli Ciao now showing at the Italian Film Festival 2022.
Belli Ciao is a hilarious comedy that depicts the never-ending rivalry between northern and southern Italy. It’s a pure light-hearted culture clash that should transpire into an enjoyable night at the movies for lovers of comedic world cinema.
A box office hit in Italy and an Australian premiere, the film stars Italian A-list comedy duo Pio and Amedeo who seem to evoke roaring laughter from audiences with the slightest of ease. Largely unknown to Australian moviegoers they have worked on stage, film, television and have also written books.
The story centres on two men who have been friends since childhood. As adults Amedeo decides to remain in his birth town in the region of Puglia and Pio moves to Milan to strike it rich. Twenty years on Pio returns to the town and promises financial aid in restoring the town to its former glory.
But will Amedeo succeed in reviving the township’s economy and has Pio actually achieved the financial success as he claims?
The hilarity commences when they both return to Milan. It’s something of a culture shock for Amedeo who provides many fun filled moments as his awareness builds of the contrasts between the northern and southern regions of Italy.
Silliness pervades this comedy from the opening scene right until the closing credits but it’s a film that audiences should warm to very quickly. Beautifully filmed in Puglia and Milan it may also serve as a cinematic travel brochure for audiences who are contemplating travelling overseas.
Amongst all the zaniness clear messages resonate in Belli Ciao – the importance of friendship and primarily that home isn’t where you live, but who you live there with.
★★★
At the Italian Film Festival Until Oct 12.
Screening at all Palace Cinemas.
www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
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