Pour toujours

I finally came across a truly heartfelt story at the Mittel Cinema Fest, and it was a breath of fresh air. Even though it’s an Italian film, there’s none of the usual over-the-top shouting. And when emotions do flare, it feels natural, adding real depth to the story. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such an honestly told tale about people navigating life. It’s bittersweet—both sad and beautiful. The emotional highs and lows keep you engaged, and that scene with the grandmother? A total gut punch. Some people are better off in solitude, far away from meddling in others’ lives. The Goddess of Fortune is easily one of the most emotional Italian films I’ve seen in recent years. And those stunning backdrops? Just wow. (04/12/2020)

The Goddess of Fortune has an almost horror-like beginning that immediately puts a bug in your head. The film mixes dramatic and comedic lines in an artful way, on the one hand you are amused by scenes from everyday life, on the other, it tackles topics such as serious illness or partner crisis, and both lines work and feel natural. Even though the film is almost two hours long, I was not bored at all, and I was eagerly awaiting to see which way things would turn out. There are a few issues, but this Italian tragicomedy really won me over, so I rate it full marks. (09/11/2020)