'Bravissimo' captures heart and humor while critiquing pressures on child performers

Giancarlo Zarfati and Alberto Sordi in a scene from "Bravissimo"

An early film in the commedia all’italiana genre, "Bravissimo" (1955) is a classic Italian comedy directed by Luigi Filippo D'Amico, starring Alberto Sordi. The film blends satire with heartfelt moments, offering a critique of the entertainment industry and the exploitation of child prodigies.

Ubaldo Impallato (Sordi) is a substitute elementary teacher who supplements his income by running tutoring program. Among his students is six-year-old Gigetto, who possesses an extraordinary baritone voice. When Ubaldo overhears Gigetto singing The Barber of Seville, he recognizes the child's rare talent and decides to guide him toward a career in music. Gigetto becomes famous for his performances, but his relatives try to take advantage of him. Ubaldo must find a way to keep Gigetto safe while also chasing his own dreams.

Alberto Sordi in scene from "Bravissimo"

Set in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Rome, the film begins with Ubaldo pleading for a full-time job at the school where he is a substitute teacher. After hearing that one of the teachers is home with a temperature, he makes a case for why he should teach that class, only to be interrupted by the teacher who shows up saying that he has never missed a day of work. Ubaldo returns home to find the parents waiting for him with their children participating in the tutoring program. Afterward, when all of the parents have come to take their kids home, he notices Gigetto is left behind. Shortly thereafter, a police officer shows up, informing Ubaldo that the boy’s father has been incarcerated. When Ubaldo tries to hand over Gigetto, the officer does not agree to take him. So, Ubaldo is left to care for Gigetto. He wants no part of this huge responsibility, so he searches tirelessly for the boy’s family members, who don’t want the responsibility of caring for him either. That evening, he witnesses the boy singing opera. Suddenly, Ubaldo’s attitude changes because he realizes he can make money as Gigetto’s coach and agent. “Call me Uncle Ubaldo. Are you fond of me? I love you so much!” And so it begins. Ubaldo embraces his new role in this child’s life and the chance for his life to finally have a purpose.

Sordi's portrayal of Ubaldo Impallato showcases his signature comedic style of a down on his luck guy just trying to make a buck. Sordi was 35 years old when he made the film and was just beginning to come into his own with his signature over-the-top chameleon character, who borders a sleazy con artist. Still, as much as you want to despise him, Sordi gives these characters an empathetic quality that makes it difficult to root against them.

A scene from "Bravissimo" at the Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica

Most of the film was shot at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, including the school where Ubaldo teaches. Another notable location is the Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica. Not very far from Cinecittà Studios, it was a popular outdoor location for directors during the '50s and '60s along with the nearby Parco degli Acquedotti. Both locations are known for their ancient aqueducts that date as far back as 144 BC. In the scene, Ubaldo conducts a lesson near the Acquedotto dei Quintilii, highlighting the ruins to his students.

"Kids, right here where the sun magnificently sets, we can see the ruins of Claudius's aqueduct," as he guides them toward the majestic ancient Roman ruins. A minute later, he is having the kids dig up dandelion greens that he will later use for an omelet. "See this tiny plant," he asks the children. "It's cicoria. It's edible."

After enjoying some short-lived success and basking in the envy of all those in the community who formerly shunned him, Ubaldo’s ill intentions catch up with him after the boy runs away, catches pneumonia, and undergoes a medical procedure. However, his efforts aren’t in vain, as the school finally sees his value.

As entertaining as the film is, it has serious undertones and has remained relevant some 70 years later, delving into the world of child performers and the adults who coach them. With the emergence of social media, the issue has only become more prevalent in our society. “Bravissimo” offers insight into the toll it can take on the child as well as the motivation of the adults.

Click here to stream “Bravissimo” on Amazon Prime Video.

-Written by Jeannine Guilyard for the July 2025 issue of Fra Noi Magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Comments

The Legend of Alberto Sordi - Rome's Eternal Son

′′They will always judge you, whether you behave well or if you behave badly. So screw it and live as you want but above all don't listen to anyone.′′ - Alberto Sordi By giving his fellow Italians something to laugh about during tumultuous times, he emerged as his generation’s King of Comedy. One of Italy’s best-loved personalities, Alberto Sordi played a pivotal role in Italian cinema from the end of World War II to the postwar economic boom of the 1950s. During those tumultuous years, he gave his countrymen a hearty laugh when they might have otherwise cried. Former Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi perhaps said it best: “Alberto Sordi interpreted the feelings of Italians, especially in their most difficult and tough moments.” Born in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome in 1920, Sordi grew up in a creative household. His mother was an elementary school teacher and his father, a professional musician for the Rome Opera House. A young Sordi joined the children’s choir o...

Federico Fellini: A Look into the Life and Career of an Icon

A Fellini family portrait “The term became a common word to describe something on the surface you can say is bizarre or strange, but actually is really like a painter working on a film,” said Martin Scorsese when asked to define “Felliniesque,” an adjective inspired by one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. The oldest of three children, Federico Fellini was born in the seaside town of Rimini in 1920. His father was a traveling salesman, so his mother was left to do the bulk of raising the children. One can argue that Fellini was born for his destiny. “You could tell that even as a child, he was different and unique. He was very intelligent, well above average. He was always the one to organize things, direct the others, make up games. He could control the other kids with just a look, said Fellini’s sister, Maddalena, in an interview with journalist Gideon Bachmann. Not only was Fellini directing the children, but he was also putting on shows and charging ...

Alessandro Gassmann: Born to Act

Alessandro Gassmannin his directorial debut "Razzabastarda" Alessandro Gassmann is the son of the iconic Italian actor/director Vittorio Gassman and French actress Juliette Mayniel. He was born in 1965 and grew up around cinema royalty. He made his cinema debut in 1982 at the age of 17 in his father's autobiographical film, "Di padre in figlio." He went on to study his craft under his father's direction at the Theatre Workshop of Florence. Vittorio Gassman was very active in theater and seemed just as comfortable on stage as he did in front of the camera. Known for his powerful interpretations of Dante's "Inferno" and "Paradiso," it is no surprise that he nurtured his son's acting aspirations on stage before he launched his career in television and film. One of Gassmann's strong qualities, which he undoubtedly inherited from his father is his incredible range and ease in going from genre to genre. He can play ...

7 Days - 7 Women: Gina Lollobrigida

Update, January 16,2023: Gina Lollobrigida has passed away at the age of 95. On Day 3 of our week-long series, 7 Days - 7 Women, in which we are showcasing seven strong, talented women working as filmmakers, writers or visual artists, we celebrate the forceful, creative energy of movie legend Gina Lollobrigida. She has been called the most beautiful woman in the world and at 87 years old, she is still a sight to behold. Her outer beauty mirrors the talent and inner beauty of this true, complete artist. Lollobrigida, the iconic actress, photojournalist and sculptress, was born Luigina Lollobrigida on July 4, 1932 in Subiaco, Italy, a town located outside of Rome in the province of Lazio. Adored by fans all over the world, Lollobrigida has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Humphrey Bogart, Rock Hudson, Frank Sinatra, Anthony Quinn and Shelly Winters. She acted opposite Bob Hope in his 1968 comedy, "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell," and...

The Timeless Vision of Pier Paolo Pasolini

Pondering his films and poetry, I wonder if the uniqueness of Pier Paolo Pasolini's films was rooted in his unconventional childhood. Born in Bologna in 1922, Pasolini's father was a lieutenant in the army, and his family was always moving. He grew up in various small towns in Northern Italy. After his parents separated, he spent most of his time in his mother's hometown of Casarsa, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. There, he grew to respect the area's peasant culture and began to write poetry in the region's dialect. He studied literature and art history at the University of Bologna and was drafted into the army during World War II. The war proved to be especially tragic for his family as his younger brother was executed by Communist partisans. Following the war, he returned to Casarsa where he worked as a teacher and ironically became a leading member of the Communist party there. Pasolini was later expelled from the party due to allegations of homo...

Italian Cinema Today

Search This Blog