Mozzarella Stories (2011) User Reviews

A bit inconstant, but admiring Debut

[FelNetti96 · 7/10 · 20 May 2022]

This was Edoardo De Angelis' first movie, and I was really interested in watching it after having viewed other projects where he served as director and/or screenwriter.

I think De Angelis is one of the most promising cineasts of contemporary Italy, maybe not as powerful as a Rovere or Mainetti's project, but not less intriguing or without a peculiar identity nevertheless.

This serves as a pretty good way to introduce his particular way of storytelling, by presenting a rich story where the more realistic and surreal atmosphere blend together to illustrate the dirtiest and tragic conditions on a social and human level, perfectly based in the Neapolitan territory, but also with a universal flavor.

The actors are all good, particularly Luisa Ranieri, the screenplay is less complex than it may seem at first sight, and the more evocative side if certainly offered by the particular cinematography by spanish DOP Ferran Paredes Rubio, and the sets by Carmine Guarino.

The real problem, which is still plausible given its nature as a first movie, is the tone: clearly the Director wanted to mix the Thriller/Crime genre with the comic grotesque, but sadly it doesn't come out as powerful as it could be.

I found the comedic tone more subtle than it should've been, I think he should've gone for a more "crazy" and explicit approach, to make the whole thing more unique.

But still, I think this is a very interesting result to recommend, it may be one of those movies that can give different answers to anyone, both good and bad, but still interesting nevertheless.

Chinese cheese

[jotix100 · 5/10 · 6 June 2013]

The Chinese invasion in all parts of the world is evident. Italy has not been spared, as most of Europe is experiencing the effects of a different culture which is trying to assimilate to the new markets. At the center of the story is Ciccio, a man who produces mozzarella cheese.to his amazement, there is a Chinese version of the product that, when closely examined is not as bad, as Ciccio believes it is.

Ciccio, a powerful figure in the Caserta region, has been producing a product that is typical Italian, now he must deal with a powerful enemy that wants his business. His daughter Sofi is married to Totone, a good for nothing singer, whose fame is just a memory. There are other sinister characters lurking everywhere. To complicate things, Totone is in deep trouble because money he owes. Eventually, things get out of hand, as everyone wants a piece of Ciccio's cheese making business, but only Sofi will prevail in getting the business.

An Italian feature conceived by Edoardo De Angelis. The problem with the film is that it plays as a comedy with so few laughs, it might have been better as a drama because the murky elements in the story. The film changes directions toward the end of the story. Perhaps the film made more sense to Italian audiences, but something is lacking to make viewers enjoy it more. Best thing in the picture is Giampaolo Fabrizio, seen as Ciccio. Lovely Luisa Ranieri appears as Sofi. The great actor Luca Zingaretti is totally wasted. American actress Aida Turturro shows up as Autilia, a singer.