“Benvenuti al Sud” is an Italian comedy about a post office manager who is relocated to the South. While it is very goofy and lighthearted, it is still a compelling story that confronts Italian social issues, while at the same time avoiding anything too controversial or grand. The film mostly pokes fun at southern stereotypes, such as the crime problems like murder and robbery, corrupt police, and the perceived laziness, as can be seen in their work schedule. The film does not address Northerns nearly as much, except for their uppityness and strict work regime. The reason that the film is not taken in offense is that it also positively highlights other aspects of life near Naples. For example, the importance of family and community is a key feature of the lifestyle. This shows the respect they have for each other and how they genuinely care. Alberto starts to flip his opinion and enjoy the lifestyle, which shows how it has many benefits over the routine of Northerners. This shows how the film genuinely makes an effort not to abuse the image of the South, but kindly poke fun. Another aspect of this is how Alberto hid the reality of the town from his wife. He does this to let Silvia and their friends upkeep their image of the South, but also for the purpose of preventing jealousy on Silvia’s part. This is not the most obvious part of the film, however it is very plausible. Silvia is at home with their child, being stuck with his care as well as dealing with the high stress lifestyle in the North. Alberto on the other hand is enjoying a relaxing routine with good friends and food, being taken care of with their great hospitality. Silvia would likely become jealous by this. Additionally, she treated Alberto very harshly at the beginning of the film, whereas when he has to move near Naples she starts treating him with empathy and being more caring. The stark juxtaposition in the film is what makes it great commentary on the differences in Italian culture, and as a comedy it translates between different cultures.
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