A Matter Of Heart (Una Questione di cuore)

Two Roman men strike up a close friendship but must deal with the impending shadow of mortality, in Francesca Archibugi's delightful commedia all'italiana which earned nominations at the Italian Golden Globe Awards 2009 for Best Actor (Antonio Albanese) and Best Actress (Micaela Ramazzotti) and is adapted from Umberto Cantarello's eponymous novel.

Loud-mouthed, larger-than-life scriptwriter Alberto (Antonio Albanese, Days and Clouds, IFF08) checks himself into hospital complaining of chest pains; meanwhile, affluent garage owner Angelo (Kim Rossi Stuart, Piano Solo, IFF08) suffers a heart attack and winds up in the same room. In between Alberto's visitations from various movie industry friends (via a series of cameos including an hilarious scene with Italian superstar Carlo Verdone) and Angelo's chats with pregnant wife Rossana (the gorgeous Micaela Ramazzotti, The First Beautiful Thing, IFF10), Alberto and Angelo become friends.

This sensitive exploration of the complex dynamics of the modern family combines pathos and passion in equal measure. Archibugi's mature direction maintains a fine line between the drama that affects so many lives daily, and the infectious humour and enthusiasm of the protagonists.