Watch Human Capital
- NR
- 2015
- 1 hr 49 min
-
7.2 (13,359)
Human Capital is a gripping drama that explores themes of class, wealth, and morality in modern-day Italy. Directed by Paolo Virzì and based on a novel by Stephen Amidon, the film tells the story of two families whose lives become entwined after a tragic accident. The first family is the Ossolas, a wealthy couple named Dino (Fabrizio Bentivoglio) and Roberta (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi) who live in a luxurious villa in the affluent outskirts of Milan. Dino is a successful hedge fund manager who is always on the lookout for the next big deal, while Roberta is a bored housewife who spends her days shopping and attending beauty treatments.
The second family is the Bernaschis, headed by Giovanni (Fabrizio Gifuni), a suave and ambitious real estate developer, and his wife Carla (Valeria Golino), a former actress who now runs an upscale art gallery. They have a teenage daughter named Serena (Matilde Gioli) who attends a prestigious private school.
As the two families cross paths, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious hit-and-run accident that leaves a cyclist critically injured. The film then unfolds in a narrative structure that constantly shifts back and forth in time, revealing new details about the characters and their motivations.
One of the key themes of the film is the clash between the upper and lower classes in contemporary Italy. The Ossolas and Bernaschis are both part of the wealthy elite, but they come from different social backgrounds and have different attitudes towards money and power. Dino is the epitome of the nouveau riche, a self-made man who has no qualms about putting his financial interests above everything else. Roberta, on the other hand, is more sensitive and compassionate, but also deeply frustrated by her empty and meaningless existence.
Meanwhile, Giovanni is a cold and calculating businessman who sees everything in terms of profit and loss, while Carla is more spontaneous and emotional, but also prone to bouts of anxiety and depression. Serena, the daughter of the Bernaschis, is a rebellious and headstrong teenager who longs for independence and freedom, but also feels trapped and suffocated by her parents' expectations.
Another key theme of Human Capital is the power of money to corrupt and deceive. As the investigation into the accident unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide, and that the truth is not always what it seems. Each character is motivated by their own desires and fears, and is willing to go to great lengths to protect their own interests.
In addition to its compelling plot and finely drawn characters, Human Capital is also notable for its stylish and evocative cinematography. The film captures the beauty and decadence of modern-day Italy, from the glistening high-rise buildings of Milan to the lush countryside estates of the elite.
Overall, Human Capital is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant drama that explores complex issues of class, wealth, and morality. Its themes are universal and timeless, and its characters are both flawed and deeply human. Whether you are a fan of Italian cinema or simply enjoy a well-crafted and engaging story, this film is definitely worth watching.
Human Capital is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 63.