We are taken to what appears a neighborhood dance hall, as the film begins. The lights are out, the people are seated, awaiting the start of the music. The musicians arrive and begin playing. Two women of a certain age take to the floor, followed by the other couples. It's at this point that Giovanni and Liliana, who are serious about one another, enter and sit at one of the tables. Hardly a word is spoken, yet, watching Lilliana's face, we realize something is wrong.
We figure the problem lies in the fact that Giovanni has accepted a position in a new industrial complex his company has set up in Sicily. The job means he will be away for a whole year with better pay and a promotion. This doesn't sit well with Lilianna, and her attitude at the dance hall explains the way she feels the separation will take Giovanni away from her forever.
As Giovanni gets settled into the job, we watch him roaming the streets of the little town. He is clearly a loner since he prefers his own company. Giovanni has to struggle with the fact his elderly father has stayed behind and must deal with the idea of living in a nursing home. Toward the end of the story he receives a letter from Lilianna where she gives him news of home. Giovanni, who obviously misses her sees a way for resuming their relationship.
Ermanno Olmi was a documentary maker before his magnificent screen debut with "Il Posto". In a way, "I Fidanzati" feels like a continuation of the other film. The ballroom sequence brings to mind the New Year's ball of the former movie. This idea is arrived at because the bored expressions of the couples at the neighborhood dance hall. No one seems to be having fun. Lilianna, whose face betrays her, shows a woman at the border of despair as she figures that Giovanni's departure means the end of her chances of marrying Giovanni.
The director was wise to employ Lamberto Caimi to photograph this film. The music score of Gianni Ferrio plays well with the action on the screen. Mr. Olmi guided his unknown cast to give excellent performances. Carlo Cabrini and Anna Canzi seem to have been naturals for the screen, yet, neither actor went to have a career in the Italian cinema. Mr. Cabrini, whose presence is deeply felt in the film does an amazing job in his portrayal of Giovanni.
Ermanno Olmi, a director's director, showed that his early promise with "Il Posto" was not a fluke, as he continued to create human comedies about the way he saw his country at this time of his career.
We figure the problem lies in the fact that Giovanni has accepted a position in a new industrial complex his company has set up in Sicily. The job means he will be away for a whole year with better pay and a promotion. This doesn't sit well with Lilianna, and her attitude at the dance hall explains the way she feels the separation will take Giovanni away from her forever.
As Giovanni gets settled into the job, we watch him roaming the streets of the little town. He is clearly a loner since he prefers his own company. Giovanni has to struggle with the fact his elderly father has stayed behind and must deal with the idea of living in a nursing home. Toward the end of the story he receives a letter from Lilianna where she gives him news of home. Giovanni, who obviously misses her sees a way for resuming their relationship.
Ermanno Olmi was a documentary maker before his magnificent screen debut with "Il Posto". In a way, "I Fidanzati" feels like a continuation of the other film. The ballroom sequence brings to mind the New Year's ball of the former movie. This idea is arrived at because the bored expressions of the couples at the neighborhood dance hall. No one seems to be having fun. Lilianna, whose face betrays her, shows a woman at the border of despair as she figures that Giovanni's departure means the end of her chances of marrying Giovanni.
The director was wise to employ Lamberto Caimi to photograph this film. The music score of Gianni Ferrio plays well with the action on the screen. Mr. Olmi guided his unknown cast to give excellent performances. Carlo Cabrini and Anna Canzi seem to have been naturals for the screen, yet, neither actor went to have a career in the Italian cinema. Mr. Cabrini, whose presence is deeply felt in the film does an amazing job in his portrayal of Giovanni.
Ermanno Olmi, a director's director, showed that his early promise with "Il Posto" was not a fluke, as he continued to create human comedies about the way he saw his country at this time of his career.