I just realized my last movie review was one year ago! So I thought this is a good time to write a new one! 馃榿
There were two reasons I picked up this movie: first, it's a comedy and second, it's in Italian... and I just adore the sound of the Italian language! 馃
Its English title was well chosen: Jumping from High Places, a rough translation from the Italian expression Per lanciarsi dalle stelle, which means To launch yourself from the stars. To avoid giving spoilers, let me just say you'll get it when you see it!
The main character is Sole Santoro, (played by Federica Torchetti), a teenage girl troubled by anxiety which makes her constantly terrified about trying new things - be them simple like getting a job... or more complicated tasks such as travelling on an airplane.
The first part of the movie is an introduction to her life and troubles related to the disease, where we also learn she's sad about the passing of her best friend and never properly managed to deal with those feelings.
The remaining characters are all secondary - or, at least, that's how they felt to me. They all help her dealing with her issues and overcoming her fears but neither her friends nor family members took a role important enough to be considered main characters.
Still, they are all central to the story, as we accompany Sole experiencing new things and trying to battle her inner demons - as part of a challenge she gave herself, upon learning that was the desire of her best friend. This self appointed challenge is Sole's way to honour the friend she lost...
The story is simple and a bit predictable but nevertheless the film is quite funny and worth your time. I had a few good laughs and enjoyed it all the way through. It's definitely not a masterpiece but a nice way to spend 90 minutes. You won't be bored.
Federica Torchetti did a very good job, her personna was credible and quirky in a charming way. Thus, despite the main topic of the movie being a serious affliction to many people, this is not a movie which will make you feel bad or depressed.
The rest of the cast also did well, I particularly enjoyed the group of 3 girls which became her friends. They were always in a great mood and trying their best to cheer Sole! 馃
The movie is spoken in Italian, so you'll need subtitles.
The location of the movie is not a single place but the lovely towns of Polignano a Mare, San Vito and Conversano, all of them located in the heel of Italy (Puglia), right by the seashore. These old villages are simply breath-taking, with plenty of stunning spots and incredible sighs. Just watching the movie made me eager to visit the place! 馃槑
Overall, this is an sweet and funny comedy with some drama and romance to the mix.
I rate it with a 7 out of 10.
