The First Beautiful Thing
Overview
The film tells the story of the Michelucci family, from the nineteen-seventies to the present day: the central character is the stunningly beautiful Anna, the lively, frivolous and sometimes embarrassing mother of Bruno and Valeria. Everything begins in the Summer of 1971, at the annual Summer beauty pageant held at Livorno’s most popular bathing establishment. Anna is unexpectedly crowned “Most Beautiful Mother”, unwittingly stirring the violent jealousy of her husband. From then on, chaos strikes the family and for Anna, Bruno and his sister Valeria, it is the start of an adventure that will only end thirty years later.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Set in a small Italian town during the early 1960s, The First Beautiful Thing offers a glimpse into post-war Italy's societal norms and the struggle for self-acceptance within a conservative community.
- The film showcases a unique and poignant coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with its audience.
- The First Beautiful Thing is a thought-provoking exploration of themes like love, identity, and personal growth.
- The movie features outstanding performances by its talented cast, particularly Margherita Buy and Alba Rohrwacher.
- The cinematography captures the raw beauty and emotion of the story, adding an extra layer to the viewing experience.
Fun Facts
- The film was loosely based on the novel 'Fiamma' by Bernardo Spinetti.
- Alba Rohrwacher, who plays the protagonist Ludovica, won several awards for her performance including the David di Donatello Award and the European Film Awards.
- The movie was selected to compete for the Golden Bear in the main competition section of the 60th Berlin International Film Festival.