18 Presents

The Italians once again came with a brilliant subject matter. In my opinion, they have a talent for it. I watch a dozen of mediocre Italian movies (often with a lot shouting on top of it), and then they hit me with something I can’t get out of my head even if I hit a wall with it. And there’s nothing wrong with the fact that they’re exploiting time travel here. This is a film about family tradition, about some sort of family spirituality, which is what I liked so much about it. Plus I immediately noticed the Slavia Prague soccer scarf in the living room, belonging to the father with Buffon’s hairstyle, which made me feel even more enthusiastic about the film. Plus, the casting of actresses is also very fortunate – Vittoria Puccini’s acting performance was brilliant and Benedetta Porcaroli was also not bad given her youth. 18 Presents is a sensitive family film that won’t make you cry, but in the end it you will feel so incredibly strange that you will not want to forget it. (2020-05-26)

Yeah, this was a very good drama that deceives with its description. In reality, it's a completely different story, namely that an 18-year-old daughter is hit by a car and then "wakes up" to a dream in which she is allowed to relive the past with her mother, who had died in childbirth and whom she never knew. Through this, we watch an emotional bonding between mother and daughter that brings many happy and sad moments and which is powerful throughout, especially as the story slowly comes to a close towards its conclusion, leading to a closure of the main characters' personal issues and unresolved feelings in just the right heartfelt and rewarding way. A very original Italian film, from which I certainly didn't expect such a gripping emotional wringer. (2024-02-17)

If you read the synopsis here or on Imdb before watching this film, you'll be surprised with the kind of story you end up with. I was definitely surprised! At first glance, the film is reminiscent of P.S. I Love You, but that is – thankfully – a mistake. (SPOILERS) 18 Presents is the story of a daughter and mother who, despite adversity, somehow find their way to each other and manages to inspire each other. The character of Anna struck me as a selfish brat in the first half, she was terribly annoying, while I didn't recognize Elise from from Elisa di Rivombrosa at all (it's been a while since the premiere). In the end, the film pushes a bit on the emotions, but I was hooked and reeled in and let myself drift on a touching story inspired by true events that was warm and painful at the same time. (2020-11-10)