When I told my friends that my weekend plans consisted of watching a six-hour Italian movie, they thought I was insane. But let me tell you, it was well worth it.
The Best of Youth, directed by Marco Tullio Giordana, follows two brothers Nicola (Luigi Lo Cascio) and Matteo (Alessio Boni) from 1966 to the present. The film opens as the brother’s are about to set out on a road trip. However, they take a detour that will forever change their lives. After this moment, they go their separate ways; Nicola becomes a successful psychiatrist and Matteo enters the police force.
This is a movie of epic proportions that tells the story of family, friendship, and love. For such an extensive and long movie, it never misses the fine points of characterization. The film will draw you in and at the end I guarantee that you will say, “Wait a second, there should be three more hours.”
The Best of Youth is film making at its best, with amazing performances, stunning images of the Italian landscape, and a certain intimacy that made me take in a second viewing.
@Cinefille 