Watch The Florentine

The Florentine is a 1999 independent drama film that follows a group of characters who struggle to find their place in the world and make amends with the past. Set in a small town in Tuscany, the film centers on the lives of a group of working-class men and women who are struggling to make ends meet and escape their bleak present by reminiscing about their past.

The film opens with the character of Jimmy, played by Jeremy Davies, returning to his hometown after a brief stint in prison. Jimmy's girlfriend, Molly (Virginia Madsen), is still living in town and wants him to start a new life with her, but he's hesitant. Jimmy is trying to piece his life back together and isn't sure if he's ready to settle down.

Meanwhile, Molly is dealing with her own issues. Her brother, Bobby (Luke Perry), is a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for some time now. However, he's still dealing with the demons of his past and can't seem to let go of his old ways. Bobby is struggling to make amends with his estranged wife, which leads to a heartbreaking moment towards the end of the film.

Throughout the movie, we also get to know other characters in the town, such as Wendy, a waitress who dreams of leaving her dead-end job and becoming an actress, and Whitey, an ex-con who is trying to make a new life for himself as a landscaper. These characters weave in and out of each other's lives, and we see the intricate web of relationships that exist between them.

One of the strengths of The Florentine is its stellar cast. Jeremy Davies gives a nuanced performance as Jimmy, a man who is trying to find his place in the world. Virginia Madsen brings depth and subtlety to the role of Molly, a woman who is torn between her longing for a better life and her love for Jimmy. Luke Perry, in one of his last roles before his untimely passing in 2019, delivers a poignant and heartbreaking performance as Bobby, a man who is struggling to overcome his past mistakes.

The film's director and writer, Nick Stagliano, does an excellent job of capturing the slow pace and melancholic atmosphere of small-town life. The film's pacing is deliberate, with long, quiet moments that allow the characters to breathe and reflect on their lives. The cinematography is also top-notch, with richly detailed shots of the town and its surroundings.

Overall, The Florentine is a moving and poignant drama that explores themes of regret, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. It's a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, and it's a testament to the power of independent cinema. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas, then The Florentine is definitely worth checking out.

The Florentine is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.