Ricordi?

Ricordi? is an Italian film from 2018 directed by Valerio Mieli, which stars Luca Marinelli, Linda Caridi, and Giovanni Anzaldo. This piece of European cinema is an engaging and energetic delve into the complexities of human memory, love, and loss.

The plot revolves around a life-long relationship between two unnamed characters, depicted by Marinelli and Caridi. They are the only two characters throughout the movie, which adds an intrinsic layer of emotional intimacy to the narrative. Their relationship spans several years, and the narrative shifts between different time periods, offering insights into various stages of their life together. This movie builds its narrative differently as it unfolds - sometimes it starts from the end, other times in the middle, and these nonlinear plotlines invoke curiosity and fuel deep engagement from audiences.

Luca Marinelli and Linda Caridi deliver stellar performances. They successfully emote the raw and profound depth of their characters, making audiences relate to the despair, hope, love, and longing that dwell in the contours of their unfolding story. Giovanni Anzaldo's character provides a counter-balance to the main narrative, adding an edge and providing an alternative perspective on the situations that unfold.

Ricordi? features impeccable cinematography and embraces the essence of modern filmmaking trends rooted in nonlinear storytelling. The scenic landscapes of Italy serve as a beautiful yet bittersweet backdrop to the central romance. The scenes are crafted with artistry and are lit in such a way that they encapsulate the palpable emotions felt by the characters. The film is rich with symbolic elements and metaphors that take on deep emotional resonance and add layers of complexity to the storyline.

Director Valerio Mieli explores the fascinating dichotomy between the memories of two people sharing a life together. The film’s narrative structure is designed to mirror the subjective nature of human memory - events are remembered differently by the two protagonists, often creating contrasting portrayals of the same incidents. The title of the film – ‘Ricordi?’ itself is the Italian word for ‘memories.’

The film harnesses the power of music as a poignant storytelling device. The soundtrack is a blend of romantic melodies and melancholic tunes that set the mood for the various stages of the central relationship. This mix allows the audience to feel a part of the narrative experience and to relate on an emotional level to the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by the characters.

The thematic elements in Ricordi? are deeply philosophical, grounded in the inner workings of the human psyche. The narrative dives into how memories shape our identities, our relationships, and our understanding of the world. The film illustrates how subjective our recollections can be and how they can be influenced by our present emotions.

Ricordi? is a film that goes beyond mere plot progression. It actively invites the audiences to contemplate, to question, and to explore. It's not just a film but a deeply immersive emotional journey. It's about the love that binds two individuals, the tensions that drive them apart, the memories that keep them chained, and the experiences that shape their lives.

As an audience member, you're left not only touched by the narrative, but also intrigued to revisit your own past. Marinelli and Caridi, through their characters, initiate a dialogue about love, loss, and longing that lingers on, long after the credits roll.

In summary, Ricordi? is a heart-tugging exploration of love and memory, which artfully combines emotive storytelling with beautiful cinematography and evocative music. Its introspective nature provides a breath of fresh air in modern cinema, making it a journey not just for the characters, but also for the viewers. It's a film that transcends temporal boundaries and weaves a tale that is as much about conjuring vivid emotions as it is about painting a recollection of a relationship shared over years.