Marcello Marcello - Der Sommer der ersten Liebe

'Marcello Marcello' is an absolutely delightful slice of Italian cinema that goes down nice,like a fine wine (with a hint of sparkle). Denis Rabaglia directs from a screenplay co written with Mark David Hatwood (based on his novel),dealing with a sea coastal village in Italy in the mid 1950's. Marcello Romei (played nicely by Francesco Mistichelli)is a young man,who wants nothing more than to be able to date the beautiful young Elena Del Ponte (played by Elena Cucci). There's a problem. In this village,there is an ancient tradition where any young man who wants to be with the girl of his dreams,has to make a present to her father. If the father is impressed,then the young man gets to date her. Problem is,all of the young men also want Elena. Marcello goes through hell & high water to procure the proper gift for Elena's father (the mayor of the village,in question),making deals with what seems to be everybody. Does Marcello manage to get a date with Elena? This is a beautifully photographed film (by Filip Zumbrunn,who opts for a look that resembles early Italian Technocolor films from the late 1950's/early to mid 1960's)that is a real treat for the eye. The rest of the cast turn in winning performances that make this for a charming evening at the cinema. Not rated by the MPAA, but contains a few rude words,but little more to offend the eye & ear.

If you liked Mediteranneo and Cinema Paradiso, you'll love Marcello Marcello. A sweet little romance set in the 1950s in Amatrello, a small Italian village, it's not too sugary, just wryly amusing,cleverly plotted and just plain lovely. Lots of little side stories and wonderfully drawn characters you really care about. I've seen it three or four times now and always spot a little something extra that adds to the beauty of the film. What of those who don't like romantic films? Exquisite scenery, non stop sunshine, what's not to like? Quirky and delightful, it's like a Summer holiday on a plate! In Italian with English subtitles. A film to watch when the weather's bleak and you feel in need of a thoroughly relaxing film with no nastiness.

This film screened at The Palm Springs Film Fest to a very warm audience. Other comments here have already given a good synopsis of the original plot line, so I'll go on to add some additional thoughts about it. The cinematography is beautiful, the directing is fast paced, and all the actors, some very well known in Italy, were top notch. Anne Walser, producer, represented the film at the screening. She commented on the fact that the young lead actor, Frencesco Mistichelli, was chosen out of a large field. He is a find!! In summary, this is a well produced, technically excellent, very enjoyable movie, which should find a large audience if it gets distribution in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Marcello is a young man who lives in a sunny village by the sea with a strange tradition: When a girl turns 18, the boys of the village each make a present to the father of the girl. The father then decides with which of the boys his daughter can go out on a date. Marcello doesn't think much of this tradition until he falls for the daughter of the mayor... The following pursuit for the perfect present is fast paced and very entertaining to watch. Nice acting, camera-work and music and the funny story make this a winner. I really hope that this film gets picked up by a big distributor, because it deserves a bigger audience. If you liked pictures like "Il postino", this one is recommended to you.

The scenery alone makes this a film worth watching! Set in 1956 in a tiny Italian village along the sparkling sea, Marcello Marcello is a darling film with loads of charm and humor. It's all about love and hate. The young actor who plays Marcello draws you into his world and its heart-warming dilemma very easily, and he is very, very, very handsome. But, what makes the film more lively and delightful are the bumbling, sometimes mysterious, and sometimes devious cast of characters who bring this sleepy town to life. Pay close attention to the incredible lighting in this film as it is truly amazing and will transport you to a breath-taking holiday in your mind.

This film is perfect for the art house crowd who love a charming escape to the movies and it should definitely get U.S. distribution. If you liked Mediterraneo, Enchanted April, Like Water for Chocolate, and Les Choristes, this smaller film is for you.