Viva la liberta

Viva la liberta is an Italian drama-comedy film released in 2013, directed by Roberto Andò, who wrote the screenplay together with Angelo Pasquini. The film features powerhouse performances from renowned movie stars like Toni Servillo, Valerio Mastandrea, and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, each showcasing their top-tier acting prowess in their respective roles.

Viva la liberta is centered on presenting the political scene through a poignant yet subtly comical perspective. It stunningly explores the themes of politics, identity, human optimism and disillusionment in an intriguing narrative, shrouded with humour, insight and depth.

The plot revolves around Enrico Oliveri, a significant but disheartened leader of the opposition party in the Italian Parliament, portrayed by the adept Toni Servillo. After facing dismal poll numbers and a party that's slowly turning against him, coupled with continuous media scrutiny, staring down at defeat, he decides to vanish without a trace. The mounting pressure of his political and personal life leads him to seek refuge with his old friend Danielle, played by Valerio Mastandrea, a former philosopher turned factory worker. The retreat acts as a brief escape from the realm of his political pressures and the necessity of always being in the public eye.

Meanwhile, the party, in utter disarray due to Enrico's unexplained disappearance, decides to hatch a plan to cover up the incident. They replace him temporarily with his estranged twin brother, Giovanni Ernani, a brilliant philosopher and author, also played by Toni Servillo in dual roles. His impassioned speeches and unconventional approach to politics stir up a wave of enthusiasm and hope, leading to increased public approval for the party. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi delivers a compelling performance as Danielle's wife, who becomes an essential part of the scheme.

Under Roberto Andò's skilled direction, Viva la liberta beautifully depicts the stark contrast between the twin brothers through Servillo's performances, both aesthetically and thematically. Enrico represents the burdened and disillusioned politician, while Giovanni stands for the free-spirited idealist, who carries the whims and optimism that his brother had lost. The movie investigates the impact that both characters have on Italian politics and the souls of the Italian people, providing a thoughtful commentary on the profound role of leadership beyond strategic games.

Viva la liberta manages to skillfully incorporate wittiness and satire into its storyline, subtly critiquing the current political system while maintaining an upbeat and engaging aura. The movie also bears rich elements of mystery and drama, as the viewers are kept in suspense about how long the charismatic substitute can keep up with the charade.

The film is not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating, prompting viewers to delve deeper into the significance of true leadership and its impact on society. With its blend of humour and depth, the film offers a refreshing take on political dramas. By encompassing a facet of emotionality, Viva la liberta paints a rich, humanized portrayal of public figures, often seen as distant and uncaring.

The movie’s narrative is charmingly bolstered with robust cinematography that adds a layer of expressiveness to the storyline. The variances between the chaotic political scene, juxtaposed against the peaceful Parisian life that Enrico escapes to, are eloquently captured, delivering a movie experience that is both visually striking and emotionally evocative.

Viva la liberta is an excellent choice for viewers fond of thought-provoking political dramas infused with a touch of humour. It brings more than just an intriguing dramatic storyline to its audience; it presents real, relatable human beings in characters, grappling with their own charms, constraints, and complexities in a world dictated by political responsibilities and obligations. Hence, the film is a commendable amalgamation of political analysis, human emotions, and thrilling suspense, making it worth a watch for its deeply contemplative outlook and a magnificent performance by Servillo.