Film: Il Paese delle spose infelici

This delightful story set in the south of Italy is one hell of a debut from director Pippo Mezzapesa. Not only does the film give an insight into everyday life in Puglia, the region at the 'heel' of Italy, but it also examines the trials and tribulations of adolescent friendship as well as love, lust, ambition and desperation. Mezzapesa has managed to unite a brilliant cast who could have been plucked straight from pretty much any of the region's towns or villages such is the authenticity of their portrayals.

Veleno (Nicolas Orzella) and Zazà (Luca Schipani) are part of a wider group of friends all of whom play football together for a local team. Despite the gulf in the fortunes of their upbringings, with Veleno the son of wealthy parents and Zazà living with his drug dealer brother, the two bond and from the nucleus of the band of buddies.

One day, Zazà, having sought shelter on the neighbouring rooftops after some of his brother's 'associates' came round to the apartment, spotted a young woman, Annalisa, (Aylin Prandi) about to jump from the top of the church. The teenager alerts he rest of the village and a crowd gathers below to watch. In the end her life is not brought to an abrupt end and, struck by her beauty, Zazà and Veleno try to befriend her.

With Zazà as the brains of the operation, the pair try every trick in the book to get closer to her and it quickly becomes evident that they are both falling for her. Under normal circumstances they wouldn't have a chance, however, having recently lost her husband, she is vulnerable and needing attention. The three of them enjoy several adventures, although, one day, this is brought to an abrupt end when Zazà, wanting to protect Annalisa, finds himself in prison and ruins a promising footballing career. Veleno then finds himself out of Zazà's shadow and attempts to woo the young lady for himself.

Based on Mario Desiati's book of the same name, Il Paese delle Spose Infelici is not an original story by any means, but they film adaptation is a beautiful piece of cinematography and will strike a chord with us all, bringing memories of our youth flooding back. For the moment no distributor has bought the film for the UK but it is available on DVD from Amazon.