La Prima Cosa Bella is a film that follows the ups and downs of the Michelucci family: Father Mario, Mother Anna, and the children Bruno and Valeria. The plot centers around the generational trauma experienced by Bruno, who grew up quickly in order to be around for his mother and his sister. His mother and father's separation forced him to take on a role as the head of household of sorts, a role that he eventually regretted, and one that made him run away and cut contact with the two of them, and even eventually turn to drug abuse.
This film, I feel, is ultimately about reconciliation. Bruno's troubles with his drug abuse, his lack of communication with his sister and mother, as well as his emotional distance and lack of commitment to his girlfriend Sandra, stem from the negative experiences he had early on in his life. His parents separation left him growing up in an environment with little stability, an environment in which he was the stable anchor for his mother and his sister. He resents the both of them for putting him in such a position, which explains his complete radio silence with the two of them until his mother was in hospice. The film's plot sees Bruno reminded of what occurred in his youth, while also talking through his problems with his sister and eventually understanding more about why his mother is the way that she is. Bruno is thus able to move forward with his life, having come to terms with his past and his issues with his sister.
This film is described as a comedy, however I feel that this description should only be added with the most Greek definition of "comedy" possible. There is no element of this movie that I would consider funny, however I feel that the plot follows what we would consider to be modern drama, and possesses a relatively happy ending, given that Bruno chooses to escape from his past addictions and move on with his life. Such an ending would therefore technically classify the film as a comedy, despite lacking elements that we would consider to be comedic in a modern story.
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