Watch The Best of Youth

The Best of Youth is an epic Italian drama film directed by Marco Tullio Giordana. This six-hour-long movie takes the audience on an emotional journey spanning from the 1960s to the 21st century where they witness the lives of two brothers and their families in Italy. The story begins in Rome in 1966 when Nicola (Luigi Lo Cascio) and Matteo Carati (Alessio Boni) are young men with great aspirations for their future. Nicola is a sensitive, introverted and idealistic medical student, whereas Matteo is an impulsive and outgoing law student. The two brothers are very different from each other, but they share a strong brotherly bond.

The movie unfolds as it showcases the Carati brothers' life and everything that comes with it including their relationships, struggles and successes. Through their journey, the audience witnesses various events in Italian history such as the 1968 student protest movement, the floods in Florence in 1966 and the Red Brigades terrorist group.

As the years pass, the brothers take different paths in life. Nicola becomes a psychiatrist who is passionate about working with patients diagnosed with mental illnesses, whereas Matteo works for the Italian police force. In the backdrop of it all, we see a panorama of Italian society and its evolution over several decades.

The Best of Youth is more than just a story of two brothers; it is a story of love, betrayal, change, and loss. The film presents a captivating exploration of the human experience, the complexity of relationships and how the past shapes us. It also offers an intimate view of how Italians lived through one of the most turbulent periods of their history.

A strong point of the movie is the remarkable acting performances by Luigi Lo Cascio and Alessio Boni. Jasmine Trinca, who plays the love interest of both brothers, gives a fine performance too. Their portrayals are subtle, nuanced and immersive, paving the way for characters with depth and soul. The supporting cast is also well-known in Italy and delivers great performances.

The direction by Marco Tullio Giordana is very precise and evocative. His attention to detail in capturing Italy's historical events makes it a fascinating watch. Giordana has masterfully woven together the personal and political themes of the story, creating a rich tapestry of Italian life over several decades. The cinematography captures the beauty of Italian landscapes throughout the country, creating a palpable sense of place.

One of the strengths of this movie is the quality of the soundtrack. The music score is composed by Andrea Guerra and features several famous Italian songs by artists such as Lucio Battisti, Luigi Tenco, and Giuseppe Verdi among others. The uplifting, emotional score perfectly complements the story, enhancing the audience's emotional journey.

In conclusion, The Best of Youth is an unforgettable cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. The themes touched upon in the movie are universal, yet it remains very much grounded in its Italian roots. The movie has won numerous awards, including the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. It is a long movie, but you won't notice as you'll be engrossed in the story's spellbinding account. So, prepare for an emotional ride with the Carati brothers, and you won't be disappointed.

The Best of Youth is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 6 hours and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5 and a MetaScore of 89.