Movie Review: There's Still Tomorrow (C'è ancora domani)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A wonderful dramedy from Italy.

This movie not only takes place in post-World War 2 Italy but is very much inspired by Italian films from that time period. There's Still Tomorrow obviously took much inspiration from the classic Italian neo-realist films such as those by Vittorio De Sica, Roberto Rossellini, Giuseppe De Santis and the early films of Fredrico Fellini. This is not only shown by the film being in black and white but also from how the shots are framed, the set designs and the focus on the smaller moments. This works perfectly for the smaller slice of life story being told. At times it feels like we are watching a documentary about real people rather than a fictional movie. For a movie set in a real time and place, this film makes us feel like we are truly looking at Italy of 1946. This sense of authenticity makes its messages about domestic abuse and feminism seem all the more urgent and real to us. The social commentary here is also incredibly well written. The filmmakers do not show characters doing horrible things simply because they are evil but rather because they are products of a society that taught them that this is the way they should act. This movie's main and most important message is that every generation should strive and work towards making life better for the generation after them. This is a beautiful message and setting the film in the time and place of a country going through great changes, helps drive home the point perfectly. Yet this film tells this important story in an entertaining way by having some truly funny comedic moments throughout. Some of these comedic moments even caused the filmmakers to briefly leave the neo-realism style of filmmaking for a more fantasy based one. The sudden and abrupt change makes these comedic moments all the funnier and spontaneous. Yet, at the same time these moments also help tell the story instead of interrupting it.    

One of the most important factors for this film is the wonderful lead performance by Paola Cortellesi (who also directed this movie in her directorial debut). Cortellesi has made her name in her home country as a comedic actress, but she is just as great here in the dramatic scenes, bringing a real sense of humanity to this character. Yet with this being a dramedy, she does get some time to show her comedic chops, and she is just as wonderful there. 

A pure cinematic delight. 

-Michael J. Ruhland