Regione Lazio (Italy): 4

In the film John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad, John finds his stolen Ford Mustang in the hands of Abram Tarasov, brother of Viggo who was killed in the first film. He goes on a violent rampage against Tarasov’s men, causing significant damage to his car. However, he spares Tarasov and returns home. John then takes his Mustang to be repaired by chop-shop owner Aurelio. Later on, he is visited by Santino D’Antonio, a crime boss from the Camorra who reminds him of the ‘impossible task’ that John ...

In Edoardo Falcone’s comedic Italian film, God Willing (2015), Tommaso is a renowned cardiac surgeon and self-proclaimed atheist. However, when his son Andrea, a medical student, informs the family of his plans to become a priest, Tommaso is both shocked and frustrated with Catholicism. To prevent this change, he enlists the help of his son-in-law Gianni and goes undercover during Andrea’s absence at a retreat to expose Father Don Pietro, whom he believes has influenced his son. As tensions rise within the family, Tommaso’s wife Carla turns to alcohol as her dissatisfaction in their marriage grows. ...

Youth (2015) is a comedy-drama film by writer and director Paolo Sorrentino. This marks his second English-language work. The story follows septuagenarian friends Fred Ballinger and Mick Boyle, who are currently vacationing at a luxurious spa in the Swiss Alps called Wiesen. Fred, a retired classical music composer, is approached by a representative for Queen Elizabeth II during their stay. The Queen wishes to grant him a knighthood and invites him to perform his popular composition ‘Simple Song #3’ at Prince Philip’s birthday concert. However, Fred declines the offer, stating that he has no interest ...

Paolo Sorrentino’s film, The Great Beauty (2013), is a thought-provoking art drama co-written and directed by the Italian filmmaker. It begins with a quote from Louis-Ferdinand Céline’s novel, Journey to the End of the Night, which highlights the power of imagination in travel. The story follows Jep Gambardella, a 65-year-old journalist and theater critic known for his enigmatic charm and love for the vibrant social scene in Rome. He navigates through a city steeped in rich history but defined by its superficial inhabitants, creating a striking ...