Watch The First Beautiful Thing

The First Beautiful Thing is a heartwarming Italian movie released in 2010, directed by Paolo Virzì. The film centers on Bruno Michelucci, played by Valerio Mastandrea, who is summoned by his sister for their mother's funeral. The film takes us through Bruno's early years and present life as he reminisces on his mother's life, her struggles, and her love for him and his sister.

Stefania Sandrelli plays Bruno's mother, Anna Nigiotti, a beautiful and vibrant woman, always living life to the fullest despite the many challenges she faces. On the day of her death, Bruno's sister Valeria, played by Micaela Ramazzotti, tells him that their mother, who was a poet, had kept all the poems, stories, and other writings that Bruno and his sister created when they were children. These memories, along with flashbacks of his mother's life, form the basis of the story.

The film follows Anna and Bruno's lives after she leaves her abusive husband, Giulio (played by Marco Messeri), and their struggle to survive in a small town in Italy during the '70s. Bruno, who was just a child, had dreams of becoming a poet, yet he was constantly teased and bullied at school. Despite all this, Anna, always a cheerful and optimistic woman, never gave up on her children's dreams.

The First Beautiful Thing takes us through the ups and downs of Anna's life, including her struggle with cancer, which she ultimately succumbs to. Throughout the film, we witness Bruno's evolution from a defiant child to a self-absorbed teenager to a bitter and rebellious young adult. We witness his marriage with Carmen (played by Claudia Pandolfi), the mother of his two children, and his eventual divorce.

The story switches back and forth in time, capturing crucial moments in Anna and Bruno's lives. The film's screenplay does an excellent job of keeping the story coherent and concise. The film's exciting aspect is that despite Anna and Bruno's hardships, the film is infused with a sense of hope and beauty.

Stefania Sandrelli gives an exceptional performance as Anna, a complex woman living in a world that does not always appreciate her. Similarly, Valerio Mastandrea portrays Bruno beautifully, capturing the gradual maturing of the character through the years. Micaela Ramazzotti as Valeria, although not given much screen time, plays an important role in connecting the past with the present.

The First Beautiful Thing is shot in a documentary style, with a lot of quick camera movements, poetic interiors, and real-life locations. The film's visuals are excellent, with the camera providing coverage of the small towns and beautiful Italian countryside. The use of color and music adds an extra layer of emotion to the story.

The film's insight lies in its depiction of the fragility of human relationships, highlighted by Anna's loving, yet often rocky, relationship with her children. The film's unrelenting focus on the bond between Anna and Bruno makes the audience root for both characters, feel their losses, and heartily cheer for their victory.

Overall, the First Beautiful Thing is a touching film about human relationships, the possibility of hope, and the beauty of life. Paolo Virzì's direction, coupled with a tight and well-constructed screenplay, makes the film a must-watch for anyone who enjoys an engaging and meaningful story. It's a great addition to the already impressive Italian cinema, and one that will be a joy to re-watch.

The First Beautiful Thing is a 2010 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 62.