Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of Luca, we’re counting down our favorite movies set in Italy. Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
Bon Pon Jar Italianos! I’m talking about Casino Royale because honestly, I think it’s the only one of these Italy-set flicks I’ve seen. You’ve got my boy Daniel Craig coming into the Bond series kicking gum, and eating names (You thought I was going to say ass. Grow up!) When this movie came out, I loved it. Finally, a serious, non-campy Bond flick grounded in reality without all the goofy gadgets. It came out when Texas hold‘em poker was at its peak and had everything I wanted. Years have passed and I have grown, so let me be Frank. The movie has seen some age and feels much slower than I remembered. It will always hold a special place in my heart. OH, and it does a great job letting you know waterfront property is never a good long-term investment. But what do I know! (Frank Kemp)
What is there to say that has not already been said about Walt Disney’s Pinocchio? I could tell you that it was awarded the Academy Award for best score and that “When you Wish Upon a Star” won for best song (and can bring a tear to your eye on the last night of your Disney World vacation). I could talk about the beautiful hand-drawn animation that was a revolution in 1941 and still looks gorgeous today, but you already know this. Instead, I’m going to explain why this is a cautionary tale to teach you not to be a terrible parent like Geppetto! Less than 12 hours after becoming a father, he is sending his kid to school without any kind of instructions, directions, or supervision. Maybe walk with the kid on his first day of life, or, I don’t know, homeschool him for a minute! And if your kid goes missing after you neglect to teach him anything about the world, maybe don’t immediately get on a boat and go sailing out to sea! Look in normal places that a kid might go, put up flyers, ask around, call the police, and definitely don’t get eaten by a whale! I feel like I’m taking crazy pills every time I sit down to watch this beloved, highly recommended, award-winning musical classic. (Nick Ferro)
This Best Picture winner from Ridley Scott brought to life the Roman coliseums and gladiatorial arenas more effectively than any other film that came before or since. Gladiator boasts two dynamite performances from Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, incredible visuals, and an iconic Hans Zimmer score. While I love Gladiator for its epic story and technical achievements, I will always remember it as one of the first “adult” movies I was allowed to see as a young, movie-loving kid. This was because Gladiator holds the special distinction of being my mom’s favorite movie of all time (right next to The Lord of the Rings). Naturally, when writing this blurb, I decided to consult the expert. After sending my mom a brief text asking what I should say about this film, I was told to say, “It’s one of the greatest movies… Great acting, story, fight scenes.” And there you have it! If that doesn’t sell you on Gladiator, I don’t know what will. (Foster Harlfinger)
When it comes to movies, nothing bums me out more than when a movie that is genuinely good and could have been the setup to a fantastic series of films bombs at the box office and goes universally underseen. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is exactly that movie. I saw it in theaters and loved it immediately. Guy Ritchie helming a Cold War spy film? Take all my money. Ritchie infuses the film with all his signature style and charm, leaving it incredibly watchable and kinetic. Ritchie has also always had a knack for filling his movies with charismatic performers that play off of each other really well. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer are wonderful on screen together, making every moment a must watch. Alicia Vikander was newer to the scene, but handles herself wonderfully, adding a perfect third to the party. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is pulpy, but in all the right ways. It feels like a nice homage to its source material as well as past films in the genre, while also cleverly mixing in the new age techniques. It’s precisely the type of movie that would have launched a whole film universe if it was just released at another time. It’s incredibly rewatchable and a good time all around. If you have never taken the time to see it, I promise you won’t be disappointed. (Nashua Doll)
Director Vittorio De Sica’s 1948 film, The Bicycle Thief, is an emotional view into post-World War II Italy, with a story that follows a father, Antonio (Lamberto Maggiorani), who goes on a search for his bike, which he needs for his job, and he does so with the help of his son, Bruno (Enzo Staiola). This movie serves as a poignant father-son story as the two characters search Rome for the bike so Antonio can get back to his job and feed his family. This narrative is made even more effective by its historical setting, presenting the day-to-day lives of Italy’s residents as they try to get their lives back on track after the war. The chemistry between Maggiorani and Staiola is superb. Upon casting, they were both non-professional actors, which adds to the realism of the relationship that their characters build. If you’re looking to get into more international cinema, this is a must-watch. (Vincent Abbatecola)
Ciao and welcome to this week’s Best Ever Challenge, where I continue my trend of watching a film I have never seen with the Italian film, Life is Beautiful. Initially, this is a wonderful story of a man, Guido, meeting the woman of his dreams as he breaks out many hilarious antics to win her heart. However, not all is as it seems as the conversations among some of the characters and the many images of Benito Mussolini and his fascist regime hint at a much darker story. Soon, we go from an amusing story of a man finding love to one of finding the light when the world is at its darkest. With a backdrop of World War II and the Holocaust, Guido uses his antics to keep his son oblivious to the horrors around them, and to keep his wife from losing hope, especially as all hope seems lost. Star and director Roberto Benigni tells a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of keeping hope, as it is always the darkest before the dawn. By the end, I quite literally found myself crying with tears of joy and of sorrow as you learn of the ultimate fate of Guido and his family. Do yourself a favor. Invest in a few boxes of Kleenex, and watch this one. (Joseph Davis)
“I am Spartacus! No, I am Spartacus…!” This legendary phrase and one of the most parodied speeches/scenes in the movie history isn’t the only thing that you will remember after sitting through this 200 minute epic by the genius filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. Spartacus defined how to make historical epics for decades to come and gave us one of the best performances by Kirk Douglas (RIP, good sir. 103 years is a hell of an age). If you only knew Kirk as the dad of Michael Douglas, do yourself a favor and check him out in this film. I know what you’re thinking: a movie that’s almost three and half hours? My attention span isn’t that great! Trust me — under Kubrick’s precise direction, the stunning locations, and the story that keeps inspiring generation after generation (one slave who almost brought down one of the biggest empires this world has ever witnessed), there is no chance of boredom. There is a reason we have so many movies and one pretty kick-ass TV show about this man, myth, and legend, but for me, when you mention Spartacus, it’s Kirk Douglas, under the brilliant direction of Stanley Kubrick. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor. If you haven’t watched it in a while, give it a re-watch and towards the end, don’t forget to stand up and identify as Spartacus (I believe that’s mandatory by law in most countries nowadays). (Luke Burian)
In my recent quest to catch up on some classic films, one of the holes I was eager to fill in was my lack of Audrey Hepburn films. Out of the five of hers I’ve watched so far, Roman Holiday is my favorite. Hepburn plays a princess of a non-specified European country who sneaks away from her suffocating royal duties for the titular holiday in Rome. Over the course of her getaway, she falls in love with an American newsman, played by Gregory Peck. In Hepburn’s filmography, this was the first of her absolute classics, and it’s not hard to see why it earned her her lone Oscar. She is supremely charming and just a delight on screen. The Roman setting is the perfect venue to elevate the film’s charm to the next level. As a whole, it’s just a classic romantic comedy with an ending that pulls successfully on the heartstrings. (Jake Bourgeois)
What other kind of films hit the heart of a cinephile more than a film about… well, film? There are not many films out there that live and breathe cinema quite like Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso. What cinephile would not want to grow up in the projection room of a theater? I know I would. Tornatore tells the story of Toto, who grows up to be a filmmaker after the influential times of his youth. Through the small movie house of his hometown and the mentorship of the projectionist Alfredo, Toto learns a sense of community, young love, and his true love of film. This film is elegant and beautiful in the way that it envelopes the audience in love and passion. Nothing quite captures that beauty of this tale like its moving and emotive score from the legend himself, Ennio Morricone. This is a true classic with a film scene that just might be the most cathartic sequence in the history of cinema. Don’t believe me? Experience Cinema Paradiso yourself. (Shane Conto)
Arguably the greatest sequel ever made, The Godfather Part II stands the test of time as not only a great sequel, but also a genuine masterpiece. Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture (the first sequel to ever do so), The Godfather Part II is both prequel and sequel. Francis Ford Coppola demonstrates deftness in storytelling, interweaving the early life of Vito Corleone with that of his son Michael’s reign as he expands the family dynasty. At not quite three and half hours long, a deeply engaging plot and outstanding performances from Robert De Niro and Al Pacino have you wondering how the time went by so quickly. Not much more can be said in praise that hasn’t been said already over the last 47 years since The Godfather Part II was released.Grab a big bucket of popcorn, put your feet up, and become immersed in truly brilliant film making. (Adam Ritchie)
Spider-Man: Far From Home
So far it seems that many agree that the MCU adaptation of comics greatest web slinger is definitely one of the best. Ever since his debut, Tom Holland has proven that he is Spider-Man. I think the returning director John Watts is really great at balancing the teen life of Peter that we can all relate to, while also never boring us with it. Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio is something that has grown on me over time. I never thought he was bad, but it just took me a while to get into it. He’s clearly having a lot of fun with the role and it shows. I also think releasing this so close after the release of endgame was an interesting choice. I remembered worrying that it would feel too soon, but it just feels like the perfect book end to Phase 3. (Alex Henderson)
Hannibal
When it comes to having a tough act to follow, few films have it tougher than 2001’s Hannibal. The sequel to what must be one of the greatest, if not the greatest thrillers of all time, Hannibal brings us the story of Hannibal Lecter in the wild, having assumed a new identity and being pursued by the only person known to have survived his dinner table. While many would argue, perhaps correctly, that this is the inferior film when offered up against its predecessor, there is still plenty to love about this entry in what is now a franchise that spans print, film, and television. The picturesque streets of Florence make for a fantastic juxtaposition to the morbid subject matter, which almost succeeds in making you forget that you are essentially watching the story of a cannibalistic former psychiatrist on the run. In Silence of the Lambs we are famously teased with a mere 16 minutes of Sir Anthony Hopkins’ electric portrayal of Lecter. While undeniably genius, this is why I often find myself reaching for Hannibal, a movie that positively spoils us with the opportunity to see Lecter in his element, as he plays puppet-master to Agent Starling, liberator to Dr. Cordell, and Head Chef to Ray Liotta. (Ian Whittington)
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
“Sing to me Paolo.” And with those words, a generation was defined. The Lizzie McGuire Movie was the latest in a series of films that Disney had decided to create based on one of their popular Disney Channel shows. However, this one ended up creating a cultural moment so integral to my generation that we all have a place for it deep within our souls. Following our heroine, Lizzie, as she goes on a class trip to Italy ahead of starting high school, we watch her living a comedy of errors when she is accidentally mistaken for one of the most successful pop idols of Italy — Isabella. Now, as an actual Italian, I can tell you that any time anyone actually speaks the language in this movie, it is truly horrendous — honestly some truly bad accents. Yes, even Paolo himself. But that has never stopped me from enjoying the pure unadulterated camp brilliance that is this film. With the iconic quotes, relatable coming-of-age issues, forbidden romance, and some of the best songs from the early aughts, it’s no wonder that I can still sing “This Is What Dreams Are Made Of”word perfect. A true Disney classic, this is for those of us who are wanting a tried and true nostalgic hit whenever we’re feeling a little bit down. (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
Aquaman
Do you like over-the-top camp? A thick slice of cheese? Let me serve you up a nice dish of Aquaman. Lovingly filled with submarine pirates, triton wielding warriors who can command legions of sea life, and an octopus who plays the drums. No… seriously. If you can embrace the hokeyness of the film, there’s something incredibly charming here to admire. James Wan’s direction brings in his action prowess from Furious 7, as well as his horror elements from Saw and The Conjuring. Jason Mamoa brings the DCEU its first true goofball for fans to root for, while still being a tough as nails hero. It’s also undeniable that some of these grand underwater battles are epic in scale and a treat to take in. Sharks eating giant seahorse-riding warriors, crab people taking on menfolk-esque creatures, and a massive kraken. Because of course there’s a kraken. If you’re wanting a zany superhero action movie unlike most others, Aquaman is a solid choice. (Heath Lynch)
The Italian Job
An exciting, fast paced film with Mini Coopers screaming through Los Angeles loaded with gold? A blast of a cast including Jason Statham continuing his career on fast wheels and Charlize Theron showcasing her fearless “catch me if you can” prowess in the driver’s seat? Crazy helicopter chases in parking garages? Count me in! I’m not sure that the release of this remake of the 1969 film, The Italian Job, could have been better timed for a 16-year-old me about to get my driver’s license. While I still haven’t found myself speeding a Mini Cooper through a subway (or pulling off a gold heist for that matter) 18 years later, I’ve still found that The Italian Job brings the same joy and excitement as the first viewing. From the opening getaway racing through narrow Venice canals, to the climactic chase through the streets and subways of Los Angeles, the action may be ridiculous at times, but oh my, is it fun! A wonderful cast, highlighted by standout performances from Theron and Edward Norton, will keep you rooting for this Marky Mark-led, Gold-Loaded-Trunk(y) Bunch bent on revenge. Whether you are a fan of classic heists, thrilling stunt driving, timely soundtracks, or just a plain fun film, you’d be hard pressed not to enjoy The Italian Job. (Matt Lawson)
Mission: Impossible III
I believe Mission: Impossible III may be one of the top three Mission: Impossible movies. It was certainly one of the first three Mission: Impossible films to be released. I think this movie benefits from being at the end of a trilogy that isn’t all that great. But Mission: Impossible III is an impressive action movie that, without being as good as it is, does not lead to three more sequels with another two on the way. Philip Seymour Hoffman is the best villain in the franchise and the stakes for Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt are higher than ever. The movie literally opens with his wife’s head being imploded. I hate movies that start with the end scene, but I’m on board for this. The espionage is fun and the bridge scene lays the groundwork for bigger set pieces down the line. Mission: Impossible III gets lost in the shuffle when talking about the best in the franchise, and for that, this review will now self-destruct in five seconds. (Scott Batchelor)
The Talented Mr. Ripley
A tale of envy turning into obsession perfectly sums up the 1999 film, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Based off of the 1955 novel written by Patricia Highsmith, Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), in a stroke of luck, is given the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy some of the finer points of high society. Tom is hired by Herbert Greenleaf to retrieve his son Dickie (Jude Law) from Italy and becomes very fond of both the lifestyle that Dickie enjoys as well as Dickie himself. Damon is uncomfortable and chilling and will go to any length to preserve the privileged life that he has grown accustomed to. Whether it be forgery, manipulation, and even murder, there is no sin too great in order to enjoy the finer things in life. Another portion of this film that really stands out is the usage of 1950s Italy. The exquisite architecture, the beautiful scenic views, and culture are perfectly encapsulated in this film. You could see why someone from Tom’s meager means wouldn’t want this extravagant ride to end. The Talented Mr. Ripley is a bone chilling psychological thriller that escalated splendidly. (Joe Vargas)
The Trip to Italy
The Trip to Italy is part two in Michael Winterbottom’s four-part series on male friendship, and the first that was originally thought of as a movie. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon star as versions of themselves, traveling around the Italian countryside visiting landmarks and restaurants under the guise of writing an article for The Observer on Italian cuisine. Along the way, their banter and competitive nature when it comes to impressions of famous actors and other celebrities acts as a shield against the melancholy that’s building in their private lives. The entire series of films is an examination of men and their friendships, their inability to admit how much they need that connection, and the deep sadness that’s hidden away behind their need to roast each other relentlessly and prove their worth to each other constantly. If you’re not in it for the subtext, however, there’s a riff on the cast of The Dark Knight Rises that’s so funny it hurts, and you can never go wrong with the stunning scenery of the Italian countryside. (Chris Bakker)
Much Ado About Nothing
Much Ado About Nothing is perhaps one of my favorite adaptations of Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Director Kenneth Branagh knew where to play scenes for comedy and where to lean into the drama. The plot largely focuses on what are now relationship staples of characters in their late teens and early twenties portrayed by 30-year-olds: love at first sight, “I’m going to be single forever,” trying to set up your two friends who would be perfect together, miscommunication, and plans for creating drama for drama’s sake. You can thank Keanu Reeves’ Don John for that last one. I hold firm if you look past the shaky accent, Keanu does a great job showing when you nickname someone “The Bastard,” they might grow up to be an angry dude who finds it fun to mess other people’s lives up. There’s also Kate Beckinsale and Robert Sean Leonard as Hero and Claudio, our two naive young lovers. Denzel Washington as Don Pedro specializes in planning out elaborate schemes. Beatrice, played by Emma Thompson, perfectly encompasses everything I think I am: funny, whimsical, aggressively teases people she is interested in, quick to solicit the murder of those who hurt her loved ones, and high expectations of what a lover should be expected to do for her. What I’m trying to say is that she’s perfect, and if anyone wants to debate me on that, I have a sword collection. Branagh makes a second appearance in this blurb for pulling the double duty of portraying Beatrice’s foil, Benedick, as not only a braggart, but genuinely kind. Unless you count him agreeing to, you know, kill his best friend… Yeah I’m going to end it on that. (Kim Hausen)
Romeo and Juliet
My first exposure to Romeo and Juliet was in elementary school when my sister watched the Baz Luhrmann-directed version. I always thought that was a definitive version of the story until I read Shakespeare’s play and watched the 1968 version, which is arguably a more faithful adaptation of star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juliet is a timeless story about the purest subject in all the arts — love. Love of family, love of friends, love of parental figures, but most importantly, love between two individuals who fall instantly and deeply for one another. Italy is the background for a blood feud of the ages between “two households both alike in dignity in fair Verona.” The costume work is amazing and the two young leads (played by Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey) carry the weight of iconic characters. Special shoutout goes to Michael York for portraying Tybalt. Some aspects haven’t aged well, but at the core of the story is a tragedy of two teenagers so desperate to be together against all odds that they’d rather die than be apart. Whether it’s turned into a musical like in West Side Story, an animated movie like Gnomeo and Juliet, or an action movie like Underworld, this is a timeless tale that artists will find ways to recreate and reimagine forever. This version helped usher this story to film and set the bar high for others to achieve and exceed. (Mike Hilty)
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