The Youngest Son (2010)
"Il figlio più piccolo" (original title)

An amoral man manhandles his wife and falls into the claws of a wheeler dealer.

Director:

Pupi Avati

Writer:

Pupi Avati

Stars:

Christian De Sica, Laura Morante, Luca Zingaretti

5 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christian De Sica	...	Luciano Baietti
Laura Morante	...	Fiamma
Luca Zingaretti	...	Bollino
Nicola Nocella	...	Baldo
Sydne Rome	...	Sheyla
Massimo Bonetti	...	Pilastro
Marcello Maietta	...	Pilastro
Manuela Morabito	...	Betty Chirone
Fabio Ferrari	...	Sainati
Guia Zapponi	...	Wedding Guest
Alessandra Acciai	...	Dina Diasparro
Alberto Gimignani	...	Carosi
Giulio Pizzirani	...	Amadei
Giorgia Pagliacci	...	Angry Mother
Gisella Marengo	...	Elvirina Badkian

Storyline

An amoral man manhandles his wife and falls into the claws of a wheeler dealer.

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Plot Keywords:

corruption | movie director | marriage | fraud | company

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

19 February 2010 (Italy)

Also Known As:

The Youngest Son

Filming Locations:

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Duea Film, Medusa Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

Wheeler dealer

There is an introduction in the film that holds the clue to understand this story. A priest is seen escorting a student from what appears to be a boarding school. The student is being thrown out of the institution because of his underhanded activities.

The action changes to the wedding of Fiamma and Luciano. They are getting married just as a legal maneuver orchestrated by Bollino, a sickly looking man who loves wearing sandals, even though he is obviously not well at all. Fiamma and Luciano have produced two sons, Paolo and Baldo. In fact, it is Bollino a devious man, who has orchestrated the marriage to cover appearances since he has convinced Luciano to get involved in a scheme that will make both of them immensely rich.

Years go by and Luciano's empire is in jeopardy. He is rich on paper, but in reality, he owes all he has. Enter the master mind Bollino. There is a way to stop the debacle. How about stepping down from his high position and making his young son Baldo the new president of his empire? Baldo, who has grown to be a dreamer, has no clue what the scheme entails. As far as he knows, he will provide for his mother and brother with the new acquired riches.

Pupi Avati's film is an essay in corruption in higher places, where nothing is real and everything is either mortgaged, or the banks own everything in the company that was created. "The Youngest Son" is not exactly a film for everyone. The machinations and the behind scenes deals are not immediately easy to comprehend for people not in these sort of high finances, let alone ordinary folks with no clue of the shenanigans being pulled.

The best thing in the film is Luca Zingaretti, a marvelous actor who is a joy to watch in everything he does. His Bollino is a study in greed and tricks. He is a cruel man who destroys the man he took under his wing with regard for his actions. Christian De Sica impresses as Luciano. Nicola Nocella, a roly poly actor has some good moments as Baldo. Gorgeous Laura Morante plays Fiamma, the woman abandoned by Luciano, an aspiring singer with no talent. Sydne Rome shows up as the other member of the singing duo.

Technically, a Pupi Avati film is an excellent product, as he proves with this feature. The crisp cinematography of Pasquale Rachini enhances the production.