CONSIGLIO PER L'ACQUISTO DI FILM IN DVD (I CONSIGLIATI): Manuale d'amore 3 di G. Veronesi

Una bella e brava Solarino in "Manuale d'Amore 3"

di Fabrizio Ulivieri

Manuale d'amore 3

REGIA: Giovanni Veronesi

ATTORI:

Robert De Niro 

Carlo Verdone,

Riccardo Scamarcio

Monica Bellucci

Michele Placido

Laura Chiatti

Donatella Finocchiaro

Valeria Solarino

Emanuele Propizio

Carlo Monni

GENERE: Commedia

DURATA: 100 min

Primo episodio. Bella la scena iniziale con Scamarcio (nel film Roberto Tommaso, avvocato rampante) che fa una proposta di matrimonio a Valeria Solarino (nel film Sara)! Bello vedere Castiglion della Pescaia (la mia mèta preferita durante l’estate) al cinema!

Forte il toscanaccio Carlo Monni! che sembra sempre lo stesso dai tempi di Troisi e Benigni. Ottime le chiacchiere in un bar del centro di Castiglion della Pescaia in puro toscanaccio! di una combriccola di matti a metà strada fra i vitelloni e gli sfigati dei film di Pieraccioni.

Ed è così che inizia Manuale d’amore 3, con un avvocato rampante che viene mandato a Castiglion della Pescaia per sfrattare una famiglia di contadini (quella di Monni) e che invece di sfrattarla si innamorerà della pazza Micol (Laura Chiatti) e della combriccola del bar perché ancora gli evocano la vita che sta per morirgli dentro e che lui invece ancora vuole assaporare.

Trasmette serenità Veronesi in questo film, soprattutto in questo primo episodio (forse anche per l’effetto delle belle musiche di Morgan), serenità e piacere. Raramente càpita di stare al cinema così rilassati.

Frasi ad effetto, del tipo: io ho paura di tornare a casa…ma non è che uno che può stare tutta la sua vita in viaggio…(la paura che sposandosi la vita si chiuda). Banali ma ficcanti.

Secondo episodio con Verdone. E Verdone è sempre Verdone: antipatico, peso, irritante, imbranato e fedifrago eterno – insomma sempre lo stesso ruolo; e neanche cambia con Veronesi anche se con Veronesi è meglio di quando fa i film suoi perché almeno qui fa ridere davvero.

Terzo episodio ovvero il Miracolo: la Bellucci che  ha imparato a parlare, cioè recitare! (insomma…si fa per dire). Effetto Veronesi o effetto De Niro con cui recita? A proposito di De Niro: un De Niro davvero spiritoso ma anche tenero, come non avevo visto mai.

Conclusione: un film godibile, divertente (entertaining) che non annoia affatto. Andate a vederlo, ve lo raccomando caldamente. Specialmente se siete depressi. Vi passerà la depressione, se non altro per 100 minuti.

Tre stelle e mezzo.

ISTITUTO EUROPEO STUDY ABROAD: Living in Florence with a Host Family

My family

 By Paige Gherardi

It has been almost five years since my first study abroad experience, but I will never forget the first day I arrived in Florence and met my host family. After a long plane ride and a disorienting experience trying to find our luggage and a taxi at the Peretola airport, I had to call my host family to let them know that my roommate and I were on our way. A sweet, older woman picked up the phone and suddenly I forgot what I was supposed to say. I had made an attempt to learn Italian by taking a beginner’s course the semester before I left, but everything I learned escaped me in that phone call and I could only manage to say our names. We arrived at the house, which was a large apartment on the third floor of a palazzo near Piazza San Marco, and we were greeted by two women who hugged and kissed us and grabbed our luggage to bring upstairs. Caught in a whirlwind of so many things happening at once and not being able to understand the language, we somehow managed to communicate through broken Italian and gestures. Our host mom, Gianna, and her mother who insisted on calling her Nonna, spoke in slow Italian to help us understand where we could put our things. They showed us around the large house and I understood that four other students were living there along with Gianna, her husband Paolo, their three daughters, and Gianna’s parents.

Before arriving I was confident that I would be able to communicate, but I was surprised by how little I could speak. On that first day I made my first big mistake in trying to Italianize an English word. While unpacking my toiletries I wanted to ask Gianna if there was cabinet space in the bathroom that I could use. I asked if there was a “cabinetto,” which she interpreted as “gabinetto,” and she couldn’t figure out why I wanted to put my stuff in the toilet…

A bit embarrassed and discouraged from my fatal errors during the first few days, I thought I would never come out of the experience learning the language. I was thankful to have roommates at all different levels of Italian to help out with the language barrier. After a week or so I realized that if I wanted to get a lot out of the experience I needed to force myself to speak. Fortunately, my host family didn’t speak English and I could practice with them each day. I sat next to Nonna and Nonno at dinner every night and they picked new things to teach me each week. I brought a pocket dictionary with me every time I went out at night (yes, big nerd) and I began to speak Italian in more and more situations.

The experiences I had with my host family are some of my most treasured memories of studying abroad in Florence, and I honestly would never have become fluent if it hadn’t been for them and my determination to learn. They took us on trips to Carnevale in Viareggio, wine tasting in Montalcino, to the chocolate festival in Perugia, and so many other places I would have never seen as a student living in my own apartment. Students become part of their family and I continue to consider them an important part of my life here in Florence.

Whether you live with a host family or not, I encourage students studying abroad to take advantage of the opportunity to learn Italian culture and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to use your Italian – no matter how little you speak. Try using your Italian in supermarkets and stores in the center even if you think you’re butchering every word you say. You can’t imagine how good it feels on that first day that no one responds back to you in English and you understand them! Do some research on where locals hang out and meet new people. Find someone who can show you the true Florence and you will discover things you would never be able to on your own. 

ISTITUTO EUROPEO: studying Abroad in Florence: L' Aperitivo!

Studying Abroad in Florence: Aperitivo

Nightlife in Florence can start as early as 7:00 PM with a “passeggiata” in the center followed by an aperitivo. This Italian cocktail hour usually starts between 6 and 7 pm and continues until 9 or 10 PM. Appetizers and a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) are included in the price, and the spread can range from small portions of finger foods to a large buffet that could suffice for dinner. Most caffès and bars have an aperitivo, but here are a few suggestions of places to go:

• Kitsch – 8 Euros will get you a drink and access to the buffet. Featuring everything from pasta to grilled vegetables to Tuscan cold cuts, this is the best value for those looking for a big food selection. There are two locations: Piazza Beccaria and Via San Gallo, 20.
• Rifrullo – Located in the San Niccolò neighborhood, this was Florence’s first American Bar. It attracts a local crowd and is always busy for aperitivo. Patrons can sit by the bar and buffet, outside on the patio on warmer evenings,  or head out back to a large, comfortable room with a fireplace for cooler nights. Via San Niccolò, 55R.
• Caffè Sant’Ambrogio – Offering aperitivo at the price you would pay for a drink on their normal menu, Sant’Ambrogio is always full around 8 PM. In the warmer months you can sit outside in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, but even in the colder months it is a local hot spot. Take time to explore this neighborhood, as it is also famous for its restaurants and outdoor market.
• Sei Divino – This wine bar is a great place to hang out because they typically have different entertainment ranging from live bands to local DJ’s each night. Aside from the staff’s knowledge of wine and spirits, they also offer a small aperitivo that is different each night. For those looking for more food, it’s possible to order a “tagliere,” or cutting-board of local meats and cheeses. Borgo Ognissanti, 42
• Slowly – Aperitivo at this trendy lounge is very low-key. It is possible to sit at the bar or organize larger tables for a party or big group of friends. Via Porta Rossa, 63R
• Rooftop of Rinascente – A drink and a traditional salty snack with olives will cost a bit more at the top of this department store, but the view is spectacular. This is also a great place to grab a coffee and sit with friends during the afternoon if you don’t mind paying the cover!

These are only a few of the many great places to take part in aperitivo and I encourage you to find your own places to go. Some places will have a cover in addition to the aperitivo price, so be aware of what you are paying for before you order.

By Paige Gherardi

ISTITUTO EUROPEO: Gucci museum opening in Florence

Last night hundreds of people made their way to Piazza Signoria to catch a glimpse of the many celebrities crossing the black carpet from Palazzo Vecchio to the new Gucci Museum for its inaugural viewing. 

Celebrating 90 years, the Florentine company has stayed true to its roots in buying this grandiose three-floor palazzo to showcase Gucci fashion. To promote the event, a light show featuring the company’s signature “G” print has been projected onto the face of the palazzo each night for the past week. The VIP event began with cocktails in Palazzo and continued with a private showing of the museum for invited guests. A performance by Blondie was also a highlight in the evening’s entertainment. Princess Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco, Carolina Crescentini, Violante Placido, Camilla Belle, Abbie Cornish, Emma Browning, Anna Wintour, the Ferragamo family, and Florence mayor Matteo Renzi were among the elite group of actors, actresses, artists, Vogue editors-in-chief, and fashion icons present at the opening. The museum is expected to open on Wednesday, September 28^th to the public. Entrance will cost 6€, with half of the proceeds donated to restoring treasures of Florence. 

By Paige Gherardi

STUDY ABROAD: ART WORKSHOP AT THE NEW ISTITUTO EUROPEO ART DEPARTMENT

ART WORKSHOP AT THE NEW ISTITUTO EUROPEO ART DEPARTMENT

The workshop will take time each day corresponding to the following schedule:

·         7:00-8.30 breakfast

·         9:00-13:00 lesson

·         13:00-14.00 lunch

·         14:00 – 18:00 lesson

·         19;-00 – 21:00 dinner

Arrival and transfer from the airport to the Hotel, check-in and organizing rooms

Visiting the studio, meeting the professors. The urban design in the city with Gad Apotecker, the perspective of the urban landscape, the palaces, The Arno and etc.

The fresco workshop with the professor Giuseppe Del Debbio, the expert of the ancient techniques of painting, in our Art Department.

The fresco workshop with the professor Giuseppe Del Debbio our Art Department .

Morning: visit to the Archeological Museum of Florence ”The origines of Italian Art” and to the Bargello ”The revival of the ancient”. Afternoon: lecture of Prof. Luca Viviani on different styles, not only classic, of ancient art (from geometric style to archaic , with a number of examples of connection between ancient and modern art). The design exercises of experimenting with different styles of representation.

The workshop on Bas-relief of historical gypsum with Prof. Fabrizio Lucchesi,  Prof. Luca Viviani and Prof. Sergio Rubini“ the encounter with the stiacciato” in our Art Department.

Design in Tuscany:Open-air in the beautiful Tuscan country with Gad Apotecker.

The workshop on Bas-relief with Prof. Fabrizio Lucchesi, Prof. Luca Viviani and Prof. Sergio Rubini in our Art Department.

Trips  in Tuscany included.

Teachers:

·         Fabrizio Lucchesi – is a sculptor and a professor at the department of Ornamental Plastic Arts and Ceramics in the l’Accademia di Belle Arti of Florence, the author of the handbook of the technique of ceramics. The problems and defects in artistic ceramics (in Italian , English , Spanish).

·         Luca Viviani – is a sculptor and an archeologist, that has been teaching the History of Ancient Arts in the Accademia di Belle Arti of Florence. He has published a book called The Calumny of Apelle, a modern discovery on ancient art, and a journey from ancient art to the modern.

·         Giuseppe Del Debbio – Painter, Sculptor and  professor, until 2006  of Ornamental Plastic Arts in the Accademia  di Belle Arti of Florence.

·         Sergio Rubini – Sculptor, professor in the Art institue of Bari.

·         Gad Apotecker – is a sculptor and a painter and a professor of painting. He had studied and lived in Florence for many years . His works had been shown in a number of important museums

ISTITUTO EUROPEO Music Department the Story

ISTITUTO EUROPEO Music Department the Story
(www.istitutoeuropeo.it )

It all started many years ago, in 1991, from a demand of some European students from Austria, Germany, France, etc. who used to come to Florence to study Italian  - “la dolce lingua del sì.” Many of them were Musicians, and while staying here they constantly needed to practice their vocal skills and instruments.

It happened in this simple and a bit old fashioned way that the ISTITUTO EUROPEO Music Department began its story & from that moment has remained the main ISTITUTO EUROPEO feature.

ISTITUTO EUROPEO’s reputation is now well known for its flexibility and its capability to adapt to new market changes. We hold tremendous interest in understanding markets that never cease to fluctuate around the world and constantly undermine any attempt to classify and categorize trends and changes.

Throughout the years we have also welcomed many students from American universities for the Study Abroad Program. We produced an International Singing Competition staging famous Operas. We held concerts in historical churches and palaces of Florence.

In the end, we were able to set up a perfect mechanism to teach singing.

For this reason we believe that when you think of the ISTITUTO EUROPEO Music Department, you have to think of a perfect product. We have confidence in our program and can dare say that our method is one worth learning!

ISTITUTO EUROPEO Music Department a method of Excellence

Today our Music Department, led by Director Monica Benvenuti, has become a win-win situation. We created a product of success for your success. Every time you leave the classroom after your tailor-made lesson, you can feel and measure the results and benefits you receive from this one-on-one attention.

ISTITUTO EUROPEO Music Department’s brand has now become synonymous with quality. When you buy our lessons, you buy quality. The ISTITUTO EUROPEO Music Department provides students with a method of Excellence.

COSE DELL'ALTRO MONDO di Francesco Patierno

di Fabrizio Ulivieri

Un grande Diego Abatantuo

Cose dell'altro mondo
REGIA: Francesco Patierno

ATTORI: Diego Abatantuono, Valerio Mastandrea, Valentina Lodovini, Renato Nuvoletti, Sandra Collodel

GENERE: Commedia

DURATA: 90 min

C’è lui in questo film, l’Abatantuono, che da terrún si è trasformato in leghista trevigiano a tirare le fila di un film sul valore degli immigrati avvertito con molto senso di buonismo: immigrato è bello e fa bene all’Italia.

Lui, il Diego, che nel film è l’industriale leghista trevigiano Mariso Golfetto gran massacratore di marocchini e immigrati in generale (“domenica c’è il sole. Vi porto al mare così vi abbronzate un po’!”), che vive in un nord dove il numero delle donne stuprate da neri ecc. è più alto che in Cecenia, e invidia perciò la Sicilia perché a Corleone di donne stuprate non ce n’è neanche una perché lì al negro gli rovinan la carrozzeria se ci si prova…. Un nord dove le moschee dilagano e pure le kebaberie…

Poi c’è il Mastrandea che fa la parte di un poliziotto ben disposto verso i diritti degli immigrati ma che è ossessionato dalle dimensioni del nuovo partner della sua ex che lo ha lasciato e sta ora con un negro (appunto) che l’ha messa incinta, ma che, ossessione a parte, lui testardamente ama ancora.

Il trevigiano pullula di immigrati. Dilagano. Mariso ne è ossessionato. Gli immigrati non sono poverini e il lavoro va dato prima agli italiani e chi commette crimini deve sottostare alla legge di Singapore, cioè punito corporalmente. Questi sono i temi delle sue trasmissioni in tv (“La 9”) di cui lui è padrone. Non si risparmia a “La 9”: le puttane nigeriane invadono le strade e la colpa è tutta della sinistra. Basta islamisti! Che prendano il cammello e ritornino al loro paese! E così, lui che ha il filo diretto con il Paròn (Dio) perché lui è l’autentico difensore della cristianità e ha adottato 5/6 negretti a distanza e non lo dice perché la beneficenza si fa così, invoca una sera in tv uno tsunami che si porti via tutti gli immigranti e per sempre.

Quella notte un temporale dalle dimensioni anomale ed infernali si abbatte sul trevigiano. La mattina il popolo trevigiano si sveglia e tutti gli immigranti son scomparsi…e ora son cazzi! Ora sì che l’Italia diventa davvero un paese di MERDA!...più nulla funziona e Mariso non può neppure andare a puttane nigeriane a cui prometteva di far avere il permesso di soggiorno…nessuno lavora, perché scomparsi gli immigrati nel Veneto laborioso di italiani che lavorino in fabbrica o facciano i badanti non se ne trova…non ci sono più vu cumprà, albanesi, romeni, marocchini…solo nordici incapaci di mandare avanti il loro stesso paese…Geox, Pinarello, De Longhi si fermano…si ferma il  veneto e l’Italia di merda tutta…è il Caos!!

Buona la regia di Patierno. Grande Abatantuono. Ottimo Mastrandea, che recita come Nanni Moretti.

Storia scorrevole e piacevole con finale alla Fellini.

Buona l’idea. Peccato però che sia stata copiata da “Un giorno senza messicani” di Sergio Arau.

Insomma, tutto sommato, un discreto inizio di stagione che fa ben sperare per il cinema italiano? Lo verificheremo nel prosieguo della stagione.

Voto: tre stelle.

Study Abroad, ISTITUTO EUROPEO; ACA SUMMER 2011 Algerho Sardinia.

If you’re looking for Paradise look no further than Alghero Sardinia this is a great spot for a romantic getaway, relaxation or to live the Jimmy Buffet Dream. My fiancé and I spent two days here, this was not nearly enough time you need at least 5 to 7 days. Although with in those two days were toured the whole town of Alghero and went to three amazing beaches. The people in Algerho are extremely friendly and act as if you’re a part of their family, a women in her 80’s struck up a conversation with us. She was very interested in who we were and very willing to tell us her whole life story. In addition, she explained to us a little about Sardinia what she liked about and didn’t like. My fiancé and I very thrilled to talk to her due to the fact that this is the best information one can get about a place they are visiting. You will not find this in America; people are too busy to stop and talk to you and give you advice on what to do during your stay. She explained that most Sardinian food is fish based, and that they serve the best grilled fish. She also told us that Sardinia has some of the best beaches, and that two days here is not long enough. The views in Sardinia are beyond breath taking, if you asked me to describe a utopia it would be Sardinia. One of the best beaches to go to in Algerho is Le bombarde, it is a meeting place for all locals and is very laid back area with some of the best water and sand. It takes about 15 minutes by bus to get there but is well worth it.

There are many restaurants in Algerho one of the best places we ate was at Mirador, at little restaurant outside overlooking the sea. This is a very popular restaurant, and most of the time you have to wait at least 15 minutes. However during your wait they give you white wine to enjoy while staring at the beautiful water. The second place to eat is at Movida, where it is tucked into a wall which resembles a wine cellar. The food is unbelievable and reasonable priced. Lastly, enjoy the seafood, it is some of the best I have had in all of Italy, everything is freshly made with great natural seasonings.

Study Abroad, ISTITUTO EUROPEO; ACA SUMMER 2011 Quick Tips and suggestions for anyone going to the Amalfi Coast!

First off, bring hiking shoes I have seen too many people wear flip-flops for a 25 minute hike through the unlevel coast. Second, bring sunscreen and a hat; these are two of the most valuable things to have due to the vastly hot temperature and lack of shade. Not to mention, it feels cooler by the water even though it’s well over 100◦ F. Lastly, don’t forget to Drink plenty of water and bring socks to wear to walk on the sand; the sand becomes too hot to walk on and all public bathrooms cost around .50 cents, bring correct change.

Places to see:

Capri: Take the boat tour around the isle of Capri, they will show you all of the grottos. However, entrance to the Blue Grotto depends on the weather; the slightest condition can make entering the grotto dangerous. After the boat tour, go up to Capri town, it’s small but full of life and they have some of the best seafood. There are plenty of restaurants in Capri, one of the best suggested is Capri’s Restaurant, it is reasonably priced. After seeing the town, make your way down to one of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. Lastly, you must try the Lemoncello, Capri is known for it.

Positano: Is my favorite place in all of Italy. It is has a great relaxing atmosphere and is one of the prettiest towns throughout the Amalfi Coast. Positano is known for their handmade leather sandals. The town has many shops and plenty of great views from those areas. Positano has public and private beaches, if you’re looking for a less crowded area with some comfort, you can go to L’ incanto (www.lincanto.com/ristorantepizzeria). The cost for an umbrella and one lounge chair is about 14 Euros for the day. L’incanto (www.lincanto.com/ristorantepizzeria) also has is a very good restaurant serving some of Positanos best pizza. If you’re looking just for a quick snack or panini, I suggest you go to Vini e panini. Everything there is freshly made right in front of you, you can get a large panino with anything on it for around 4 Euros, also they sell fresh fruit that they wash and cut for you. This was my personal favorite spot to eat due to the amount of food you receive for an in expensive amount.

Pompeii: Walking through Pompeii is like walking back in time; it’s very beautiful and has so much history. I suggest getting a tour guide due to the fact that everything looks the same therefore it makes it hard to distinguish what areas were used for and their context. There are many places to eat outside of Pompeii; we choose to eat at the Hotel across the way they offered a two course meal for 12 Euros. One can choose from pizza or pasta (try both, they’re very good!) with a salad or French fries and any soft drink followed by gelato. After, take the bus ride to the top of Mt. Vesuvius be sure to wear comfortable shoes, you will be walking up hill for 25 minutes on lose gravel not flat ground. Once to the top you have an amazing view of the coast and the Volcano.

ISTITUTO EUROPEO; Study abroad independent study, a student’s experience at Siena di Palio.

Palio di Siena one of the most amazing events held in Italy. What makes this dangerous but exhilarating event so significant is the long standing tradition that is deeply rooted into the Senese culture. The people of Siena live for there Contrada, this is not something that is done for tourists this is for the people and their Contrada. I knew there would be many diehard fans, what I didn’t expect was a mosh pit of people trying to race to the edges of the Piazza del Campo to get the best view. To get from San Francesco to the Campo took 1 hour, due to the procession of Contrada’s and their followers

singing and chanting.

After entering the Campo I was overwhelmed to see the thousands of people packed into one small area. In total this race take around 75 seconds, the most EXCITING 75 seconds of your life. Words cannot describe how it is to be in the center of this race, although you find yourself and the crown in sync spinning around trying to watch each jockey. At the first turn one jockey slams into the wall one the second lap another falls off at the harsh turn. lastly, we have a winner the Oca (goose) the crown went wild and became so loud you couldn’t even hear yourself. This was like nothing I have experienced before in my life, you can see the passion and emotion on each person. Americans has nothing like this, the Super-Bowl does not even come close to this, when you see someone crying over a football game you tend to think to yourself, stop crying it is only a game. Whereas the Palio has centuries of tradition and passion that is passed down from father to father when people cry it has significant meaning. This type of passion and tradition is something I want to share with my children and their children. The Palio di Siena is something that everyone must experience once in their lives, it really shapes your understanding of the meaning of tradition and culture which we I believe we lack in America.

By: Nick Palozzi