522. Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini

Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
1970
Directed by Vittorio de Sica

For some reason, I have been completely incapable of doing anything this week and it is getting to be quite the problem.  Can I summon the energy to write this review?  We shall see.  Please, please.  Don't call me a hero.

In late 1930s Italy, a wealthy Jewish family hosts tennis games at their estate, since recent anti-Semitic laws prohibit Jews from entering tennis clubs.  One of the family friends, Giorgio, is in love with Micol, whose father owns the estate.  Their very awkward kiss is pictured above.  Sometimes Micol seems really interested in Giorgio and other times...well...she makes that face.

Not much happens in this film and you kind of can guess the ending as soon as the it starts.  However, I kind of loved that about this movie.  There is a shadow hanging over this film the entire time and I found that pretty fascinating.  We always tend to idealize the past and this is a somewhat extreme example of this.  Definitely worth a watch.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

251. Umberto D.

Umberto D.
1952
Directed by Vittorio de Sica

The above video clip sums up my views on this film perfectly.  I mean, this was one of the sappiest, most nauseating, and over the top films I have ever seen.

Let me give you a quick glimpse of the plot.  An old man is kicked out of his apartment with his dog.  He wants to kill himself but wants to find a home for his dog first.  As if that sentimentality of that summary doesn't sicken you enough, he loses his dog and must find him before he gets put into a pound.  Oh, brother.

Let me clarify.  I am not one of those young people that is screaming for the gore and action in every film.  Hell, I will watch Shakespeare in Love and The English Patient and shed a few tears.  But this was just absurd.  I felt as though the director was showing me a slide show of sad things.  Look at dying puppies!  Look at lonely old men!  Look at someone crying!  Give me break.

And my hatred for the Italian films on this list continue.

RATING: *----

Interesting Facts:

Nope, I couldn't find anything.

201. Ladri de Biciclete

Ladri de Biciclete
The Bicycle Thieves
1948
Directed by Vittorio de Sica

Oh my god, give me a break.

I have mentioned before that Italian films bore me to tears.  This one is no exception.  A guy loses his bicycle, goes to look for it, and doesn't find it.  Of course, it is the birth of Italian neorealism and a comment on society and blah, blah, blah.  So, so boring.

I will be kind in saying that the acting is pretty good, considering the fact that these guys weren't professionals.  That is as nice as I will be, however, because I am sick of sitting through hours of pretentious Italian shit.  Here's looking at you, Fellini.

RATING: *----

Interesting Facts:

The director claimed he picked the actors because of their walks.