Small Dose of Italian Culture #33
Welcome to the 33rd edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture!
🎬 Italian Media
One of the most talked-about Italian films of the past year is Parthenope by Paolo Sorrentino (my favorite movie director). The movie is set in Naples and it’s a melting pot of nostalgia, beauty, and melancholy.
The title comes from the siren Parthenope of Greek mythology, a figure associated with Naples’ identity (in fact, in Italian, partenope is synonymous with Neapolitan).
It’s not a film with much of a plot, but it’s an experience, full of atmosphere and poetry. This is something that receives mixed appreciation from international audiences, but if you’re in the mood for something deeply Italian, this one is worth watching.
🎵 Italian Song
Most people outside Italy know Ricchi e Poveri for Sarà perché ti amo, which has become an international sing-along hit. But in Italy, another song of theirs, Mamma Maria, was just as iconic. Released in 1982, it was impossibly catchy and quickly became extremely popular.
🎭 Famous Italian
A name everyone is familiar with in Italy is Christian De Sica. He is the son of legendary actor and director Vittorio De Sica, who made classics like Bicycle Thieves. Christian, however, took a different path and became famous for comedies, especially the Christmas films known as cinepanettoni.
Because of this, he’s often underestimated, as if he were just a comic actor. But he actually has great range and presence, and when given the chance, he shines in more serious roles too. Personally, I’m a fan.
🏞️ Italian Landmark
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Italian with Antonio to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.