"Garden of the Finzi-Continis, The" (1970)

Italian maestro Vittorio de Sica made a haunting movie with this film about a group of Italian Jews during WWII. The setting of the film takes place in a huge manision and compound owned by the Aristocratic Jew family FInzi-Continis. While Italy is turning fascistic and allying with the Nazis, the family acts oblivious to the outside world. This is symbolized by the young, vivacious but nostalgic daughter Micol (Dominique Sanda) and the nice, ailing and weak son Alberto (Helmut Berger). There is a sense that these young people have already given up and irrepairably tied to the past, a past that is disappearing soon. Against this backdrop, a family friend Giorgio (Lino Cappolichio) falls hard in love with Micol. It is evident that Micol loves him too, however, she is in denial and will not let the relationship consumate. Instead Micol has a meaningless sexual encounter with another boy she feels nothing for while letting Giorgio watch. Giorgio is heartbroken and when his father comforts him afterwards, the theme of the film becomes evident. The father tells GIorgio that it is good that poeple die once in their lifetimes so they can restart their lives. The father also says that it is good to die while one is young so one still has time to live a new life while many people die too old and it is too late for them to restart. It is a metaphorical death in discussion but also meant for that we have to let things go in life. It is not healthy or wise to cling on a past or loss without facing the future. The film works in many layers, however, the main reason why this film will last is this aspect. The aspect that life is cruel and heartbreaking, humans hurt each other and destroy each other, humans deny love and deny happiness by being attached to ideals, principles or notions. The Finzi-Continis are tragic figures who eventually succumb to the changing world without adapting. In a way though, Micol's seemingly irrational behaviors toward Giorgio saves him and he finally lets Micol go and starts anew. Although, Micol will be in Giorgio's memory forever.
There is a scene in the film where Giorgio rides his bicycle through the wintry Italian countryside. The sun is shining and the trees are shimmering against a backdrop of snow covered but sunny afternoon. Giorgio smiles and looks happy, life is indeed beautiful no matter what.
Poetically filmed with strong performances all around, this classic stands the test of time.
Rated R for sexual content and brief nudity
Aspect Ratio: 1.85
Italian