I saw this movie in Vancouver, after having seen 15 movies selected from across the spectrum. I thoroughly enjoyed the script, the acting and the direction. I am very sensitive to generalizations of race or culture, and resent themes that play to a lowest common denominator and therefore I was constantly being relieved when an obvious theme of Italian culture - like loyalty among family was given a modern and genuine lift...at every stage I thought the script presented us with the obvious assumptions we have of Italians and then took us to a more subtle and thoughtfull response - never more so than when the character of Claudio confronts the young Romanian son of the immigrant worker and tries to tell him 'what's what' in the real world. The young man, more wise and thoughtful of the two forces Claudio to re-think his position. Personal growth, hope - what else can we want? My only complaint? The theme song played one too many times for me....
Review of La nostra vita
