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.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

In 1980s Italy, a romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student and the older man hired as his father's research assistant.

Very well staged adaptation finely explores the mutual attraction and romance of the two young men, enhanced by stellar performances by both leads; however, the setting in an intellectual haute volée environment and a slightly misogynist undertone are at times quite annoying.

New acquisition: Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Suspiria (2018)

A darkness swirls at the center of a world-renowned dance company, one that will engulf the artistic director, an ambitious young dancer, and a grieving psychotherapist.

Artful re-imagination of an already highly stylish horror classic has a lot going for it (style, great sets, cast, atmosphere and a great soundtrack), but far outstays its welcome, disappoints with an over-the-top ending and generally can't hold a candle to the original.

Neqw acquisition O.S.T. Suspiria (2018)