The First Beautiful Thing
NYT Critic's Picks • 2h 3m
Paolo Virzì • Italy • 2010 • A gentle comedy of life, love, and family.
Bruno, a middle-aged teacher, sits stoned out of his mind on a park bench. He’s forgotten his own birthday, much to the chagrin of his girlfriend, Sandra, who organized the party. Before he can say no, Bruno’s sister Valeria whisks him to a hospice home where their mother is dying. In order to make amends, Bruno will first have to confront the family history that got them here.
Imbued with the pathos and humor of an aging matriarch who, against all odds, managed to raise two children on her own, The First Beautiful Thing is a gentle comedy of life, love, and family. Paolo Virzì’s ninth feature premiered at São Paulo, Göteborg, and Salerno, winning Best Film. The First Beautiful Thing was nominated for 18 David di Donatello awards, winning Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress, and is a New York Times Critic's Pick.
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