Io sono l'amore (2009)

 

 

Emma left Russia to live with her husband in Italy. Now a member of a powerful industrial family, she is the respected mother of three, but feels unfulfilled. One day, Antonio, a talented chef and her son's friend, makes her senses kindle. 

Finely produced, stylish and well-cast melodrama is rich in detail and rewarding to watch, but its contrived plot and high society settings are a bit off-putting.

Maltin***: "Studied tale of the importance of tossing tradition aside to follow your passions, no matter the consequences, is obvious at times (as it links food and sensuality), but undeniably provocative. Some viewers may find its operatic approach difficult to digest - pun intended." 

 

The Staggering Girl (2019)

 

 

Francesca, an Italian-American writer who lives in New York and must return to Rome to retrieve her aging mother. 

 

Sumptuous art house short with lots of Valentino Haute Couture to admire actually utilizes its stellar cast to tell a compelling woman's story.