Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Call Me by Your Name is a visually stunning film set in the northern Italian town of Crema in Lombardy. The story follows Elio, a 17-year-old who spends his summer with his family in a rustic villa. When Oliver, a charming American graduate student, arrives to assist Elio’s father with research, the two young men develop an intense relationship set against the beautiful Italian countryside.
The film’s cinematography perfectly captures Italy’s languid summer ambiance, with scenes of cycling through lush fields, swimming in cool rivers, and savoring meals in sun-dappled gardens. It’s a movie that not only explores first love but also immerses viewers in the sensory beauty of an Italian summer. Every scene feels like a watercolor painting, reflecting both Italy’s natural beauty and its timeless allure.
Roman Holiday (1953)
This classic film starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck is one of the most iconic love letters to Rome. Roman Holiday follows Princess Ann, a royal visiting Rome who, fed up with her duties, sneaks away to explore the city on her own. She encounters Joe, a journalist who shows her the magic of the Eternal City, though he initially plans to use her for a story. As they spend a day sightseeing, visiting landmarks, and riding scooters, the film showcases Rome’s most famous sites, including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain.
Hepburn’s charm and the film’s lighthearted plot make it a joy to watch. The romance between the characters captures both the thrill and melancholy of fleeting love. More than a love story, Roman Holiday is a tribute to the eternal charm of Rome, capturing the vibrancy and elegance of the city’s landmarks and life. It’s the perfect movie for those yearning for a vintage Italian escape.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley, directed by Anthony Minghella, is a suspenseful, dark, and utterly captivating thriller set in the glamorous world of 1950s Italy. Starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cate Blanchett, the film follows Tom Ripley, a young man who’s sent to Italy to retrieve Dickie Greenleaf, a wealthy playboy enjoying a life of luxury. Tom becomes obsessed with Dickie’s lifestyle and begins to infiltrate his world, leading to deception, jealousy, and danger.
From the idyllic coastal town of Mongibello (filmed in Ischia and Procida) to Venice’s mysterious canals and Rome’s upscale jazz clubs, this film showcases Italy in a thrilling, glamorous light. It’s a movie that contrasts the country’s beauty with a tale of obsession, envy, and psychological tension. The breathtaking Italian landscapes and stylish 1950s costumes will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, albeit one with a darker twist.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
If you’re dreaming of the Tuscan countryside, Under the Tuscan Sun, directed by Audrey Wells and based on Frances Mayes’ memoir, is the perfect film for you. Diane Lane stars as Frances, a recently divorced writer who impulsively buys a rundown villa in Tuscany. As she renovates her home, she finds herself falling in love with the Italian way of life, facing challenges and triumphs along the way.
The movie beautifully captures the warmth, simplicity, and charm of Tuscany, with its rolling hills, sunflowers, vineyards, and quaint villages. Frances’ journey to rebuild her life mirrors her journey to renovate the villa, blending themes of self-discovery and new beginnings. Under the Tuscan Sun is a heartwarming tale that celebrates Italy’s slower pace of life, its culinary delights, and the sense of community that makes the country so unique. This movie will make you want to pack up and start anew in an Italian villa.
La Dolce Vita (1960)
Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita is a masterpiece of Italian cinema and an iconic exploration of Rome’s high society in the 1960s. The film follows Marcello, a journalist navigating Rome’s nightlife and social elite, as he searches for meaning in a world full of excess, glamour, and fleeting pleasures. The movie famously features the scene where Anita Ekberg wades into the Trevi Fountain in an evening gown, one of cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
Through its episodic structure, La Dolce Vita captures Rome’s blend of decadence, beauty, and existential longing, portraying a city that is both dreamlike and enigmatic. With its visually stunning cinematography and profound social commentary, the film offers a glimpse into a complex Italy that’s both glamorous and introspective. Watching La Dolce Vita feels like stepping back in time to Rome’s golden age, with its smoky jazz clubs, grand fountains, and timeless style.
