Inspiration in Italian Cinema: The Best of Youth

We can be very susceptible to suggestion. So when Lola recommended watching The Best of Youth and extolled its beautiful scenery, interiors and costumes, we knew we had to check it out for ourselves. Originally a mini-series on Italian television, the film begins in Rome in the 1966 and follows a family for more than forty years through to present day Italy. We somehow missed it at the New York Film Festival in 2003, but were able to check out a copy from the New York Public Library this weekend.

Penny Crawford and Paola Riviello were responsible for the set decoration, which was a critical component of moving the story through forty years. We particularly loved the interiors that represented the 1960s and 1970s. Have you seen The Best of Youth?

Comments (7)

Yes, I've seen it, and I love it. It's a time commitment to watch it, but you really get into the story and the lives of characters.

My favorite interior is Nicola and Giulia's flat in Turin. And of course I love any scene that features the gorgeous Alessio Boni! (He plays Matteo.)

posted by romateamo on March 23rd 2009 at 1:15pm
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It is a rather amazing film and the last five minutes left me positively weeping. A must-see.

posted by bookgirl on March 23rd 2009 at 1:29pm
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As an Italian national, I have seen and loved La Meglio Gioventu'. It's a hard look at Italian recent history, and every time I watch it I end up crying like a baby!

It is funny to see it mentioned on Apartment Therapy, because one of the thing I remember the best about the movie is set decoration- in particular I daydream about the book of wall in the Tuscan mansion where the family all comes together... it's amazing...

posted by BridgingJones on March 23rd 2009 at 2:13pm
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It's great to hear from some fans of the film! I also was weeping at the end.

@BridgingJones I did feel like I learned a lot about recent Italian history. And that Tuscan mansion was absolutely spectacular!

posted by Amy A on March 23rd 2009 at 3:39pm
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One of the best movies I've ever seen. I love those people as though I really know them.

posted by deniseb on March 23rd 2009 at 7:19pm
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I LOVE this series...definitely worth watching. Everyone I've recommended this film to loves it.

posted by ajavonfleurenberg on March 23rd 2009 at 7:56pm
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Saw it in two parts and after the first could barely wait for the second screening. Yes, felt I knew about them so intimately and that they weren't acting but were real.

posted by Elizabeth II on March 25th 2009 at 7:00am
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