Like Crazy (2017)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Good concept, poorly executed.

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

"A joyful madness" would have been a better translation for the international market. Such a surprisingly good film. Well, not entirely surprising because Paolo Virzì, from Tuscany, currently one of Italy's best directors, his movies always centred around interesting, well defined characters, masterfully mixing comedy and drama, in this case with heart breaking results. It helps that this screenplay has been written together with talented screenwriter and director Francesca Archibugi who, amongst other things, in 1990 directed Italian movie icon Marcello Mastroianni in the drama "Verso sera" (Towards Evening). Her contribution to this film must be acknowledged. The two leading actresses are excellent. Micaela Ramazzotti as the desperate mother who, amongst all sort of troubles, tries to get back in contact with her only son. Even better is Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, who is absolutely amazing as Donatella, the rich countess who struggles to cope with her mental disorders but who takes the younger Beatrice under her wing. When they run away from the psychiatric facility they are placed in by the authorities (perfectly depicted in typical human but caothic way) their foolish adventure begin. Such an intense, moving, touching film. Highly recommended.

The movie begins by talking about a woman with whom at first it seems that you are going to laugh a lot. The problem for me is when nothing else starts you realize that it is wrong of the head and of course, as you can laugh at things that makes someone who is sick. Then you discover the things she has done that is her friend and then it is as if to put you on the defensive. Let any parent tell me if he laughs with this movie.The truth is that the two actresses are great, that can not be denied. They both play a great role, they get you to believe they're really crazy.It is relatively long, if it had been a little shorter it would have been better, there are things that I have left, I do not need to be told. And I do not need to justify what one of them suffers and why she suffers it, I think what she has done is worse.The picture is pretty ugly. I think it tries to create a warm and pleasant atmosphere, but it only creates a white light and too light.The direction I do not like, only directed the actors well, the rest is not good, is long and does not know how to narrate or move the camera.I do not think she remembers it in a few days

From the writer, director of 'Human Capital' fame. This is a road adventure that's filled with some fun, thrills and emotions. The story of two women and their unplanned journey to their unfinished businesses. Kind of self-discovery theme, but it gets a little crazy as what the title says. If you know Paolo Virzi and his films, then you know what to expect from it.Well, it begins with when a new member Donatella at a mental institution was fooled by Beatrice, who was there for quite a some time. They might have differences, but have some unfinished affairs outside. An unlikely friendship blooms between them and one weekend, the situation favours them to get away. From there where their journey goes and how it all ends comes in the rest of the narration.They both are not ill or the danger as they were institutionalised. Then why is what the film is going to narrate for us. Before that, it was initiated with a simple introduction of them and the situation they are in. It was really a good start, but then between the end of the first act and the beginning of the second was looked decent. Because that part was very familiar. You know, what do the people do when they runaway which were mostly wandering around and enjoying the freedom.I thought it was a good film, not as I expected. Then, ever since the second half was on the roll, it got a lot better, in fact I started to love it. From a meaningless ride to something sensible topic, the narration comes to the point, what it was holding back in the earlier. Each woman's life revealed before to when this story had commenced. So the trip comes to an end when they do what's better for them and everybody around them. Kind of sad, though it concludes in a right way."A mother's love is all giving, never expecting anything in return."The two lead actresses were amazing. Second back to back film for director with Valerina Bruni and she was even better than the previous film. Because the scope of her role was much bigger in this. I don't know I had seen her before, but Micaela Ramazotti was so good, by performance as well as glamorously. There's no way you could part them and say only one of them were good. I loved them both equally. Actually, that's how their characters were developed. The entire film was about them, and they left a mark to remember this film for them.It's a good film, so I don't think it is an Oscar material as the Italian film board had already picked another film for that. But surely it going to win some international awards. If the same film was made in Hollywood, would have considered an average, because this one got the Italian flavour. The film gets crazy, in an Italian style, and in the perspective of the middle aged women. But it can enjoyed by everyone.I have been watching a few good Italian films of the year, including this one. So I would definitely recommend it. Nearly two hours long, but the pace gets better while the story developed. Remember this is not the only kind, but one of the best among this theme you had ever seen. Ending the story with high emotional was so good, especially if you like that kind of material. I hope you won't miss it. Meanwhile, I'm so excited for the director who is making his first direct English language film. Looking forward to its release.8/10

When Beatrice, one of the lead characters of 'La Pazza Gioia', scrolls through the contacts in her iPhone, we see that she has included George Clooney. What's more, she has written his name in capitals. It's a small detail, but it's typical for Beatrice's psychological disorder: she believes wholeheartedly in her own fantasies and lies. What's more, she's so convincing, and her character is so overwhelming, that others start believing them, too.At first sight, the voluptuous and aristocratic Beatrice is the last person who would befriend Donatella. She is a skinny and fragile girl, obsessed with her son, who is taken away from her after she involved him in her own suicide attempt.But Beatrice and Donatella become close friends, and together they escape from the psychological institution where they are treated. The film shows how they get involved in a series of crazy adventures, and meet up with different people who represent parts of their past. But although their escapade seems to be hilarious and carefree, the desperate aspect of their behaviour slowly becomes clear. When Beatrice promises out of the blue to take Donatella to her son, who is adopted by foster parents, the story slowly transforms into a touching drama. The last scenes are very moving.The film shows wonderfully how Beatrice and Donatella are not merely 'nutcases', as most people see them, but persons who live in their own reality. The perspective is not only how the world sees them, but also how they see the world. Apart from the superb acting performances from both lead actresses, the movie is also worth viewing for the subtle mix between joyfulness and sadness. The mood changes constantly from extreme exhilaration to deep desperation.