Compagni di scuola

Carlo Verdone is not only prolific, but he also shows a deep understanding of what makes (Italian) people tick. The fact that he usually has a less than flattering role in his own films shows that he includes himself in any criticism of people in Italian society ... Fifteen years after graduating from the "liceo" a bunch of still youngish people get together for a reunion, and one of the film's endearing qualities is the way it scratches away at the surface to reveal what they have become - that is, not always the successful citizens they may seem to be. You should take the time to watch this film at one sitting, in order to be swept along, like the participants, by the developments at this somewhat unlikely and, for some of them, nightmarish party. In my opinion an excellent effort by a writer/director who deserves more recognition, especially outside his native Italy, and a film which was a great way to spend an evening.

Compagni di scuola (1988), directed by Carlo Verdone, is a warm and relatable exploration of the passage of time and the complexities of adult life. The film follows a group of former high school friends who reunite after 15 years for a party, only to discover that much of the innocence and camaraderie they once shared has faded. The film deftly captures the bittersweet feeling of reconnecting with old friends, showing how time can change people and relationships in ways that are both painful and enlightening.

Verdone, who also stars in the film, delivers a nuanced performance, balancing humor with emotional depth. The ensemble cast, including Nancy Brilli and Alessandro Benvenuti, brings a sense of authenticity to the characters, portraying the awkwardness and disillusionment that comes with reconnecting with people from one's past. Each character reflects a different aspect of the changes that have occurred over the years, making them feel real and relatable.

The film's pacing is steady, allowing the viewer to settle into the dynamics of the group and the underlying tension that builds as the night progresses. While the plot may seem simple, the real heart of the film lies in its exploration of the complexities of adult life, the fading of youthful dreams, and the reconciling of past and present selves. Verdone's direction is subtle, creating an intimate atmosphere that encourages introspection without becoming overly sentimental.

Visually, the film captures the essence of its era, with nostalgic references to the 1970s and 1980s that will resonate with those familiar with the time period. The setting of the party, with its sense of confinement and nostalgia, becomes a microcosm for the larger themes of the film.

Compagni di scuola is a classic that resonates with audiences of all ages, offering a heartfelt reflection on the passage of time, the fragility of friendships, and the complexities of growing up. It's a film that invites reflection without ever feeling heavy-handed.

Rating: 8/10. A classic film that beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of friendship and the inevitable changes that time brings, offering both humor and emotional depth.

I have lost count of how many times I have watched, and watched again, this masterpiece of Italian cinema. A tragicomedy that sums up the goals missed and the delusions achieved in life. And vice-versa..

15 years is indeed a long time, and if you decide to "review your life", do it with those who have been around all along.

It is indeed a wonderful movie, a snapshot of the Italian life (applicable however also to other cultures, just think of "friend-face", the memorable episode of The IT crowd) and you will see the aim of the exercise: to try and appear successful before the eyes of, let's face it, complete strangers.

I love it.

"look at you then. Look at you know"

Is this movie Verdone's masterpiece? Many think so. I think the movie is a pivotal point in Carlo Verdone movie making career.Verdone makes a massive effort in trying to blend the character based style of many previous films with a new, more story based, kind. Verdone is tired of the old formula, but at the same time is not ready to make a movie that does not include strong life-like characters. The final result is a mixture of the old character based formula with a more story oriented one.The movie itself is rather good, but don't expect the side splitting scenes that made Verdone an household name. Expect more a sort of "Un sacco bello" meets "Borotalco".The Roman characters are still there, Angelo Finocchiaro the butcher is a master stroke, but so is the sadness of "Un sacco bello".Verdone character is an adult version of "Mimmo" from the early movies. But this time Mimmo has got a girlfriend; this is the bit that makes me think that Verdone is tired of acting the part of the unlucky sweet guy.The artist is torn between the sure and familiar style and a new more interesting one. But the new style is also very dangerous, will the public understand the change of direction? Will it follow the beloved Verdone even if the movies are not so funny anymore?. After this movie the great Roman actor/director/writer was to start making a new breed of movies where the characters are less prominent. Basically Verdone leaves Rome, and all its colorful but sometime heavy characters, for a more "international" background where new and less worn characters can develop. The results are a mixed bag. Some movies are good, some are very bad. But overall the bad ones will outweigh the nice ones. So much so that Verdone went back to the tried and tested character based formula with his latest productions. "Compagni di scuola" deserves to be seen.The movie can amuse almost anyone, but Verdone fans can really see the painful transformation of Verdone old style in the new one. A must see for fans, a good movie for anyone else.

I think this is a movie you have to see. We loved the Verdone of 'Un Sacco bello', 'Bianco Rosso e Verdone' and 'Borotalco', the evolution of the Commedia all'Italiana of 60s and 70s. Here we have something different,something more cynic and more sad, but still funny and worth watching. In the same period (end of '80s) a historic participant of the Commedia all'Italiana era, Mario Monicelli, made movies with a similar atmosphere (I am thinking of Parenti Serpenti for example).

I think that Verdone's career is very similar, in its evolution, to Woody Allen's. Woody started playing the funny loser who seldom has a girlfriend, just like Verdone in the first movies. Then, Woody started to change and became a very serious and talented director. Verdone attempted the same road, with success in this movie.

Then the later Woody Allen scored some ups and downs (he did lately very trivial movies, like 'don't drink the water', and wonderful gems, like 'deconstructing harry', 'match point'). In the same way, later on Verdone did useless movies (Il cinese in coma, for example) and some little gem, like Iris Blond.

This movie is in the middle of these two parts of Verdone' carrer. It's a very realistic movie, you will identify with one of the characters for sure. Don't miss this one.