Italian summer love story

Rating: 10/10 (24 January 2018)

This sensual, beautifully shot film is a delectable delight, just like it's setting and it's location, simply delicious. The cinematography is stunning, and the camera languishes in its beautiful setting, allowing us to watch a beautiful love story develop. It indulges us by taking us on a journey so that we might enjoy the scenery, the long shots and time, above all the time it allows us to linger and watch rather than flitting here and there impatiently as many films do. The beautiful old crumbling house, in a small village in Northern Italy, is wonderful, a character in itself, it is a place of relaxation for the family who spend their summers and Christmas there whilst welcoming friends and family constantly as denotes their generosity of spirit. It is a place of faded grandeur, full of hospitality and love.
The acting is superb, and do not believe anyone who says it isn't. The chemistry between the two main characters is electric and so believable and so beautiful to watch, it reminds us all of the intensity of love.
For the people who say this film is too long, or boring, I guess they just don't get it. This film is about subtle nuances, the growth of the characters developmentally, their gradual realisation of their feelings for one another. It is a celebration of love in its many forms: of the parents for their son; of Elio and Oliver; of the Perlamans; of Marzia. It reminds me of French and British films which often focus on dialogue and in-depth studies of characters. In this film we are studying human nature and fathoming the decsiions and actions of the protagonists, rather than focusing on dramatic action, loud volume and special effects - those factors which excite some film fans. This film is a triumph for people who enjoy watching people. Loved it and it will remain in my memory for a very long time, probably always. Thank you Luca.