The Best of Youth (DVD review)

The Best of Youth (2003) features a cast that no one in America will recognize. Airing originally as a miniseries on Italian television, it is now available on DVD, in Italian with English subtitles. The six-hour running time will seem forbidding to some, but it is well worth the investment of time. The story follows the lives of two brothers, Matteo and Nicola, from the 1960s to 2003. The sweep of the narrative follows their lives as they mature from youths to men, form relationships with women and have children. Parallel to their individual stories is the development of Italian society and politics over the same period of time. Both of their lives are suffused with love and tragedy, but "The Best of Youth" rises above soap opera. Also notable are numerous scenes featuring beautiful scenery and beautiful Italian actresses. Grade: A