La vita davanti a sé

Although Sophia Loren has played too many parts to recount in her 86 years, The Life Ahead is probably as close as she will get to depicting an aging, caring senior who is about ready to leave permanently. The good deeds she, Madame Rosa, has done for others, especially youngsters, travel with her as we see how she guides her latest waif, 12-year-old Momo (Ibrahima Guye) from thief and dealer to loving child for an old lady.

While this premise may sound maudlin, it is not. Directed by her son, Eduardo Ponti, this melodrama with thriller touches is all about Momo finding love and connection and Rosa coming to terms with her Holocaust memories while doing her best good deeds at the end of her life. The screen has a few touching minor characters like Dr. Coen, who attends to Rosa also as a friend, and Lola (Abril Zamora), a transgender caregiver who shares affection with her dear old friend.

The Life Ahead is restrained with few high moments. Rather, small interactions lead to our seeing the good in every life, even those of which we don't approve. Rosa is a former hooker, about whom one couldn't harbor criticism or disdain. Like her friends, Lola gives succor when she can, indulges regrets when they come, and searches for love right to the end of the film.

She is "good" just as she tells Momo he is. And that's enough.

The movie is an emotional tour de force, taking the audience through the trials of age, loss, loneliness, tragedy, respect, religion, friendship, and life.

Sophia Loren is captivating and she's surrounded by a strong, supporting cast.

An Italian drama. It is about a Muslim immigrant boy in the street who is taken to live with a retired prostitute who was a victim of the holocaust, making the meeting a moment of reflection in their lives. Quality. Raw Timeless Slightly parsimonious. Talk about love, empathy, charity, about belonging somewhere. About how hard life is for orphans and also for migrants, prompting them to do anything to survive. It even also shows how human beings sometimes live with fear and fear of being hurt that is why we put a huge barrier to others. The performances at the level. And it shows that, life itself. If you like dramas you will enjoy it. A drama that shows that the only thing a person sometimes needs is attention and love.

I checked on this movie after reading an article on NYT about Ms. Sophia Loren - an exemplary actress. I wasn't prepared for how emotional this movie will make me. I bawled several times while watching and it actually made me contemplate my latter years. Phenomenal acting by all (Madam Rosa, Momo, Lola ). I'll remember this movie for years to come. Please watch it in Italian then subtitle in your language . You won't regret it !!

What a movie! Sophia Loren comes back from retirement to deliver an amazing performance... Gueye manages to make u remember the cruel reality where we live: immigrants, prostitutes, trans, abandoned children... From the performances, photography... it's entirely worth to watch it... ah! This is not a "happy meal box", it's a real piece of art... And Laura Pausini's song... oh! she does deserve an Oscar for that... suggestion... watch it Italian with subtitles in your language... you will miss a lot with the translations...