Io c'è

Recommended. And try to see it in Italian, better that way,.

I watched this on a flight from Europe to North America in a middle seat. Someone beside me, probably noticing my chuckles, started reading the subltitles on my screen. They nudged me for help finding the film on the airline's menu. Did that, and soon the two of us were enjoying the film. I am not sure that I would agree with the reviewer who calls this an anti religion comedy. It treats all religions with a light touch and in its central story, the creation of a new religion, demonstrates how believing in something brings comfort, and even confidence, to people. If that sounds serious, don't worry, the movie is not. At least two people laughed out loud high in the sky! The movie is well-balanced, with the humour accompanied by a sprinkling of love and pathos. Highly recommended. Good subtitling. Great acting. Unobtrusive but effective music and cinema photography.

I enjoyed this movie much and - living in Italy and being Italian - I was surprised by it being "somewhat" anti-religious and expecially anti-catholic, although there's an alternate, possible interpretation (see below). The movie is undoubtly critical (and highly sarcastic) versus the privileged position enjoyed by religious institutions (expecially the catholic ones) in Italy, starting with their tax-free status which further enhances their wealth. At the beginning, it says (more or less) "If you think this story is unlikely, please remember how unlikely are the stories by all religions". This surely IS an anti-religion statement. But - and it's a big "but" - the movie ends with a "controversial" end that can be interpreted both as a sarcastic take on religion or a way to say "religion is powerful nevertheless" (I won't say more, to avoid spoilering). You can see it as you please. Surely, bigots won't love it. And this could be a big "plus" by itself.

Leo's business is wiped out by the uniform currency and he finds himself struggling to make a living out of the family home as a B&B after taxes. He notices that the nuns running their guest house across the square don't pay anything. Checking their "Franciscan" operation with its Four AM mass and a giant Madonna in his room he decides to start his own religion calling on the aid of minimally published author Battison. A few good gags and the cast are superior.

Buy is wasted as Leo's sister but the dark glasses wearing nuns are a great comic concept. Professional shooting.