Watch 20 Cigarettes

20 Cigarettes is a 2010 Italian drama film directed by Aureliano Amadei. The movie follows the experiences of the protagonist, Aureliano, who is a journalist and documentary filmmaker. Aureliano is a young man who is passionate about telling stories and finding the truth. Set in Rome, the film explores how different communities coexist and how ordinary people strive to live their lives in the midst of chaos and violence. The story is based on the director's own experience, having grown up surrounded by political turmoil and terrorism in the 1970s and 1980s in Rome.

The movie opens with Aureliano being detained by the U.S. border patrol at the airport while he was traveling to participate in an international documentary film festival. This leads him to reflect on his experiences as a documentary filmmaker.

In the first part of the film, Aureliano reminisces about his childhood, particularly his father's involvement with the Red Brigades, a militant communist organization that was active in Italy in the 1970s. He also talks about his relationship with his father and how it influenced his perspective on life.

As the film progresses, Aureliano becomes increasingly involved in political activism, particularly in his efforts to support Palestine. He comes into contact with a number of people who share his passion for social justice, including a Palestinian refugee, an elderly woman whose son was a victim of terrorism, and a young woman who is active in a radical leftist group.

The film depicts the complexities of political activism, as well as the personal toll it can take on individuals. Aureliano struggles to balance his activism with his personal life, particularly his relationships with his girlfriend and his family. He also faces threats and intimidation from various groups who do not share his beliefs.

The title of the film is a reference to the number of cigarettes that Aureliano smokes in a day. Each cigarette represents a moment of contemplation, a break from the chaos and turmoil of the world around him. The smoking motif is used throughout the film to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler life.

Overall, 20 Cigarettes is a powerful and thought-provoking film that examines the complexities of political engagement and the personal toll it can take on individuals. The film features strong performances from the cast, particularly Vinicio Marchioni as Aureliano. The movie also benefits from its use of real-life footage to add depth to its historical context.

The film's themes are particularly relevant in today's world, where political engagement and activism have become more urgent than ever. 20 Cigarettes is a poignant reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity.