Watch I Girasoli

"I Girasoli," also known as "Sunflower," is a 1970 Italian drama film directed by Vittorio De Sica. The movie stars the iconic Italian duo Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, along with Soviet actress Lyudmila Saveleva. The movie's story is set during World War II in Italy and Soviet Union. An Italian soldier named Giovanni (Mastroianni) leaves his wife, Giovanna (Loren), to fight on the Eastern Front in Russia. The film then jumps forward in time seven years, and Giovanna is informed that her husband is missing and presumed dead. This news devastates Giovanna, and she cannot accept Giovanni's death.

Giovanna takes it upon herself to travel to Russia to find out what happened to her husband. She teams up with a handful of fellow Italian women who have also lost their husbands to war. Together, the women travel from city to city, trying to gain any information about their missing loved ones. Along the way, they encounter a Russian woman named Jelena (Saveleva), who knew Giovanni and can tell them what happened to him in the battlefields.

The movie delves into the complexities of love, war, loss, and grief. Giovanna's journey is especially heartbreaking, as she clings to the memory of her husband and feels like she cannot move on. At the same time, the film also explores the effects of war on those who remain behind. The Italian women are all affected differently by their losses, and the film shows how they all cope differently.

The cinematography in "I Girasoli" is stunning. The movie is shot in both Italy and Russia, and the contrast between the two locations is striking. The sunflowers in Italy symbolize the warmth and light of love, while the harsh landscapes of Russia represent the sterile and devastating effects of war.

The actors in this film deliver outstanding performances, particularly Sophia Loren. The well-renowned actress depicts the depth of her character's grief with intense passion, making the audience feel her pain acutely. Marcello Mastroianni's portrayal of Giovanni is also memorable, as he shows the ultimate sacrifice that war can bring upon families. Lyudmila Saveleva captures the fear, confusion, and desperation of a woman caught in a war that isn't hers.

In addition to its storytelling and acting, the film's musical score also stands out. The score was composed by Henry Mancini, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score in 1971.

"I Girasoli" was a commercial success upon its release in Italy and was praised by critics. The film received two Academy Award nominations - Best Costume Design and Best Original Score. The movie presents an engaging and emotionally charged perspective on love and war that remains relevant today.

In conclusion, "I Girasoli" is a beautifully crafted film that captures the viewer's attention and emotions from beginning to end. Vittorio De Sica's directing, the excellent cast, and the stunning cinematography - all complemented by Henry Mancini's score, makes this movie a true masterpiece. It is a must-watch for fans of Italian cinema, Sophia Loren, or Marcello Mastroianni - and anyone who enjoys powerful storytelling at its very best.