"There's Still Tomorrow" by Paola Cortellesi: A Powerful Portrait of Female Emancipation in Post-War Rome. A film that skillfully blends drama and comedy with unique delicacy.
A Tale of Survival and Laughter: Delia in Black and White
Get Ready for a Journey to 1946 Rome. Imagine waking up every morning in 1946 Rome, not to the smell of coffee but to a slap from your husband. That’s Delia’s life, played by Paola Cortellesi in "There's Still Tomorrow." It's like a survival manual disguised as a movie. Her husband, Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea), believes a slap is the perfect wake-up call, making her bitter coffee seem like a treat. Delia is a woman who can take a hit and return it with a level of sarcasm that would make a stand-up comedian proud. Amidst the constant barrage of "shut up" and "it's not your concern" from Ivano, she finds moments of joy with her friend Marisa (Emanuela Fanelli), who never misses a chance to crack a joke about her jerk of a husband.
Delia is the kind of character that makes you want to stand up and cheer in your living room. Every day is a battle, but she fights it with a smile and a strength that’s as surprising as it is inspiring. Marisa, her comedic sidekick, is not just a friend but a lifeline in a sea of troubles. And then there's Marcella, Delia’s daughter, representing the hope for a different future, a better tomorrow hinted at by the film’s title. The movie is sprinkled with pure comedic moments, like when Delia and Marisa laugh over chocolate-stained teeth—a small luxury gifted by an American soldier, a brief spark of joy in an otherwise gray existence.
Paola Cortellesi delivers a film that is a perfect blend of drama and comedy, with characters that feel like they’ve walked out of a slightly tipsy night at the pub. Her Delia symbolizes every woman who, despite everything, finds the courage to say, "Not today, today I decide." Even when life hands her lemons, she makes lemonade—maybe with a splash of gin for good measure.
This emotional journey will have you laughing and crying with Delia, making you ponder how much grit and a bit of sarcasm can truly change everything.
A Black and White Film That Colors Your Soul
Prepare yourself, because "There's Still Tomorrow" by Paola Cortellesi will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about black-and-white films. The decision to strip away color is more than a stylish choice; it’s a masterstroke that plunges you straight into the heart of 1946. Each shot feels like a historical photograph brought to life with the vibrancy of contemporary storytelling. It’s like flipping through a family album, only instead of boring wedding photos, you get a rich, vibrant story.
Cortellesi’s direction is razor-sharp, each scene crafted with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. Not a moment is wasted; every detail serves a purpose, drawing you into Delia’s world. The script is a symphony of sharp dialogue and pure poetry, where every line lands like a perfectly timed punchline in a verbal sparring match.
The cast is outstanding: Valerio Mastandrea is the husband you love to hate, while Emanuela Fanelli and Romana Maggiora Vergano bring female characters to life that you’d want as your best friends. The soundtrack is the icing on the cake, with songs by Lucio Dalla and Daniele Silvestri adding emotional depth to every scene. It’s as if the music itself is a character, guiding you through the highs and lows.
And then there's Delia. Ah, Delia! A character that makes you want to get off your couch and cheer. Every one of her lines is a little masterpiece of sarcasm and resilience, every action a declaration of independence. Her story is the perfect blend of drama and comedy, making you laugh and cry in the same breath.
The film isn’t perfect, but that might just be its charm. There’s something deeply human about its imperfections, something that resonates with anyone who’s ever fought for something better. And that’s the secret of "There's Still Tomorrow": it takes you by the hand and leads you on a journey you won’t soon forget.
So, if I had to give it a rating, I’d say a solid 7 out of 10. It’s not the masterpiece of the century, but it’s a film that leaves a mark and makes you think, and that’s no small feat these days.
Why You Should Watch It
Watch it because it’s a film that talks about human flaws without sugar-coating them. Delia is the symbol of all those women who fight silent battles every day, filled with small acts of courage. Her story will make you reflect on how much resilience can change the game and how, despite everything, there’s always a tomorrow for those who keep fighting.
Why You Might Want to Skip It
Skip it if you’re looking for a light-hearted, carefree film. "There's Still Tomorrow" dives deep into the dark corners of the human soul, painting a portrait of a society that, despite its modern aspirations, still has a long way to go. If you’re not ready to face the harsh truths of our history, you might want to opt for something lighter.
