CULTURE

In 2011 a total of 31 Italian films were released onto the big screen, including 29 features and 2 documentaries. But it is important to understand that who ever you are, these movies can be enjoyed by all - whether you speak the language or not! One of my personal favorites from the 2011 collection was ‘Benvenuti al Sud’ which is a hilarious take on the universal theme of rivalry between the North vs the South in Italy. Its actually an Italian take on the French film BienvenuechezlesCh'tis,but the Italian box office made over 30 million euros for their version, proving that it is a success in its own right.

Although the differences between the North and South in Italy have always been judged with some prejudice throughout the years, Luca Miniero ( the director) takes a more humorous approach when addressing these issues. Alberto ( Claudio Bisio) is a postal worker, who is sent to the small town of Castellabate in the South. He arrives with preconceptions, and even wears a bullet proof vest! His wife Maria (Angela Finocchiaro), is too terrified to go with him because she imagines that it will be dirty hilltop town swarming with mafia. However, what he finds is something at odds with his prejudices. Although the people from the town of Castellabate are admittedly incompressible, and they eat the strangest things including sanguinaccio ( a blend of pigs blood and chocolate) , he also discovers that the people are friendly, honest and they live in a place of heart-stopping beauty. Overall, whether you want to study the film from a cinematic point of view, analysis the differences between the French original and the Italian disposition, or if you simply want to watch it for its entertaining quality, this film is defiantly one to watch!

Watch the trailer if you interested! .. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JtQfHPPGS8&feature=player_embedded