★ 6 / 10
Generally I like Italian cinema which is why
MovieGuys
Generally I like Italian cinema which is why its unfortunate that I can't get behind Last Night of Amore. Lets start with the positives. The characterisations…
Generally I like Italian cinema which is why its unfortunate that I can't get behind Last Night of Amore.
Lets start with the positives. The characterisations have depth. They come across as real people, with real motivations. That said, this is also part of the problem with this film, which I'll get to. The acting is top notch and the chemistry, especially between the main character and his wife, is deeply intimate and convincing.
Cinematic's set this production apart. Great images of Italy, it architecture, city life and more.Visuals are used to effect to create an atmosphere that fits in well, with the crime, thriller vibe.
Now to the downside. The motivations of the main character are more than a little at odds, with who he is supposed to be. He's portrayed as a cop, who according to his wife, "follows the rules". He's also a senior, veteran detective. Its therefore not unreasonable to see him as astute and street savvy. Why then, does he naively waltz into a relationship, with pretty blatantly Asian underworld figures, who he claims seem like solid citizens. Yes, greed's an obvious motive but its not clear that he's going to get what he wants from the exchange and as has been established, he's painted as a straight arrow, who plays by the book.
In short, its unconvincing. I could not get past these jarring contradictions. Had more care been taken with the story, to craft a character who motivations made sense. For example a sick wife perhaps and a desperate need for expensive medical care, would have overcome the otherwise antithetical aspects of this story
in summary, yet another missed opportunity. Great cast, great acting, great atmosphere let down by a clumsy story, that simply doesn't convince.
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★ 8 / 10
An Italian noir through and through.
Machenesomachenesai
At last, an Italian genre film - thriller, noir - to be really proud of. A plot capable of surprising, masterful performances by the actors in both the main…
At last, an Italian genre film - thriller, noir - to be really proud of. A plot capable of surprising, masterful performances by the actors in both the main roles and the supporting cast, intelligent and never mannered direction. But what is most pleasing is that the Italian-ness goes beyond the obvious production and plot details-the setting, the characters, the cultural references- , enriching the dialogues with that typical irony proper to our country: we are brilliant even and above all in moments of crisis, even if there is a decision at stake on which our lives depend. The grade does not go toward 10 only because of some minor shortcomings in the mise-en-scene, such as some details in the key sequence (which nonetheless holds one's breath for pace and twists). An 8, however, is the minimum, well-deserved and full. Let's hope Andrea Di Stefano can return to our country to make a new film in the future.
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Thank you very much!