LONE SCHERFIG
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB.
Original title: Italiensk For Begyndere
Denmark/Sweden, 2000. Danmarks Radio, Det Danske Filminstitut, Zentropa Entertainments. Screenplay by Lone Scherfig. Cinematography by Jorgen Johansson. Produced by Ib Tardini. Production Design by Jette Lehmann. Costume Design by Malin Birch-Jensen. Film Editing by Gerd Tjur.
Irresistible romantic comedy made under the strictures of the Dogma film code but just as effective, if not more so, at creating the “feel-good” atmosphere that we’re used to from Hollywood. A wide variety of characters, including a timid hotel manager, a fiery-tempered but sexy restaurateur, a passionate hairdresser, a repressed pastry chef and more all cross paths when they decide to take an Italian language course and inadvertently step into a romantic mess that is a delight to straighten out. The naturalistic lighting, digital video photography and undetectable performances only enhance the experience, making you wish that so-called “reality” television were more like this.
Berlin Film Festival Awards: Jury Prize; FIPRESCI Award
European Film Award Nomination: Best European Film
Toronto International Film Festival: 2001