“The Best Years,” is a choral film that reconnects with the Italian comedy of the 70s. Gabriele Muccino perpetuates an Italian cinema faithful to its fundamentals, in a fresco reminiscent of Monicelli and Scola.
It offers a tender and romantic look at the 40 past years of a generation, set between the years 1980-2020.
The main thread is the narration of the lives of four friends, who at 16 form a small group. Over 40 years, their ties evolve, some fall in love, some separate, all lose and find each other, actors and products of a new generation.
By projecting his characters into their intertwining personal stories, Gabriele Muccino reconnects with a perspective on the past, sometimes nostalgic, sometimes bitter, but resilient.
The Italian director adds an “epic” dimension to his staging, a generational fresco aspect, featuring people in their fifties who have matured since their adolescence.
Their carriage may have gotten dented, but they still have spontaneity and confidence. Without being a feel-good movie, The Best Years exudes a positivity, albeit measured, a sign of uncertain times. Bittersweet.
