The First Beautiful Thing

The Italian film, The First Beautiful Thing from 2010, portrays a classic example of a heart-warming yet heart-wrenching tale of family drama and tragedies. Directed by Paolo Virzì, the film flawlessly navigates through comedy, drama, sentimentality, and human reality. Starring Valerio Mastandrea, Micaela Ramazzotti, and Stefania Sandrelli, the film paints a captivating narrative that underscores the dynamics of family relationships and the perseverance of a mother's love despite numerous challenges.

The epic narrative is structured upon two distinct narrative lines that alternate throughout the movie, thereby ensuring that the story progresses at an engaging pace. One narrative traces the life of the protagonist in present time, while the other one reminisces the past.

In the current timeline, we meet Bruno (played by Valerio Mastandrea), a middle-aged man who is grappling with the demands of his life, career, and failed relationships. Bruno is a university professor battling with substance abuse and is estranged from his family. However, a sudden call forces him to return to his hometown and confront his past, addressing the internal unrest in his life.

In the past timeline, the film takes a trip down memory lane to introduce beautiful Anna Nigiotti (played in youth by Micaela Ramazzotti and later, as an older woman by Stefania Sandrelli). Anna is Bruno's mother, a woman vivacious and eternal in her youth who falls victim to several hardships because of her decisions and circumstances. These sequences provide depth to Anna’s character, displaying a life lived extravagantly, filled with joys, sorrows, and countless mistakes, further explaining the complexities in Bruno's current life.

The heart of the film lies in Bruno's grappling with his troubled relationship with his mother and his sister, Valeria, who, contrary to him, shares a deep bond with their mother. Bruno's struggle to reconcile with his past becomes the film's driving plot, which is beautifully offset by the persistent love and care Anna showers despite her own disturbances. Her infectious positivity, even in the face of adversity, is thematically consistent throughout the narrative.

Director Virzì narrates this gripping tale with an adept sense of storytelling, seamlessly interweaving elements of drama and comedy to keep the audience hooked. Virzì ensures that despite the film's somber undertones, there are ample moments of amusement and hilarity that breathe life into the narrative. The film's title resonates throughout its length, reminding viewers of the beauty that exists even amidst life's devastating moments.

The film’s success is also a testament to the brilliant performances of the cast, effortlessly moving between the dramatic and comedic moments. Valerio Mastandrea’s portrayal of Bruno is deeply touching, as he convincingly brings onscreen the internal struggle and transformation of the character. Micaela Ramazzotti and Stefania Sandrelli, sharing the character of Anna, do a mesmerizing job too. They weave an intricate image of a life filled with incredible strength and determination despite countless adversities. Sandrelli’s charismatic portrayal of the aged Anna brings adds a layer of depth and emotional intensity to the film.

The cinematography captures the beauty of the Tuscan region of Italy, subtly weaving the essence of the location into the story. The tonally nuanced color palettes enhance the narrative's emotive qualities, while the background score enriches the cinematic experience.

However, The First Beautiful Thing is not just about a family struggling to find pieces of love amongst their crises. It is a testament to human resilience, courage, and the enduring power of a mother's love. The film's beauty lies not just in its aesthetic appeal, but in the depth and rawness of its characters, their hardship, their emotions, and their struggle to come to terms with their own humanity.

The First Beautiful Thing is a heartfelt portrayal of relationships, human flaws, familial bonds, and the complexities of life. It tells the viewers that life, despite its trials and tribulations, holds a poignant beauty that is often overlooked, and, within this beauty lies the strength to endure, to forgive, and above all, to love.