The Pure Beauty of Ambra Angiolini

In two short decades, Ambra Angiolini emerged as a star on two continents, dazzling audiences first as a teen host of Italian TV, and then as a chart-topping singer in Europe and South America before making her way onto the big screen as a captivating actress.

Born in Rome on April 22, 1977, Angiolini began her career in 1992 at the age of 15 as a host of RAI Television's "Non è la Rai." Two years later, she recorded her first album, "T'appartengo," in both Italian and Spanish. The album was a huge hit in Spain as well as other countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela and Chile. As a result of that sucsess, Angiolini was invited to perform at the popular Chilean music festival, "Viña del Mar" in 1996. Meanwhile, she was recording her self-titled album, "Angiolini," which included the hits, "Tu sei," "Ti stravoglio," "Buoni Amici" and "Aspettavo te." That same year, she made her acting debut in the television movie, "Favola" while hosting an array of Italian television shows including, "Super," "Non dimenticate lo spazzolino da denti," "Cominciamo bene estate" and MTV Italy. She got her big-screen break in 2007 with the coveted role of Roberta in Ferzan Ozpetek's ensemble hit, "Saturno Contro" (Saturn in Opposition). The film focuses on a group of contemporary 30- and 40- somethings as they struggle to come to grips with youthful dreams that didn't come true. Angiolini shined in the role of Roberta, a girl next door character whose unyielding support, light-heartedness and loyalty endeared her character to audiences and critics alike. Her trademark brown eyes conveyed a profound agony when tragedy struck her inner circle. Her performance netted several awards, including the prestigious David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actress.

In 2008, she co-starred in CristinaComencini's controversial film, "Nero e bianca" (Black and White). The story centers on an interracial romance between Carlo, an Italian man and Nadine, a Senegalese woman who are both married to others when they meet and fall in love. Angiolini plays Elena, Carlo's wife who hails from a racist right-wing family. At the beginning of the film, Elena appears to be a liberal who sets herself apart from the hateful ideas of her family. But when she finds herself abandoned for an immigrant, her beliefs change and she discovers an underlying racism that she never knew existed. The film was a huge box office success in Italy, a nation that has been dealing with issues of immigration and assimilation in recent years.

Her roles in Paolo Genovese's "Immaturi" and its sequel, "Immaturi - il viaggio" along with Maurizio Ponzi's "Ci vediamo a casa" called upon her girl next door qualities and zest for drama, while her role in Massimiliano Bruno's 2012 political comedy, "Viva I'italia" gave her the opportunity to show audiences a zanier, more playful side. Angiolini portrays the role of Susanna Spagnolo, an aspiring actress with a lisp, and the daughter of a slightly corrupt politician. Her speech impediment and casting calls make for some entertaining scenes in which she totally embraces the hilarious stereotypes of Bruno's self-absorbed characters.

In addition to her high profile career, Angiolini is involved in a high profile romance with Francesco Renga, a popular Italian singer/songwriter. A regular at Italy's legendary San Remo music festival, Renga took the top prize in 2005 with his hit, "Angelo." The two are among Italy's most beloved celebrity couples and there is certainly no shortage of good looks or talent between them. Hand in hand, they grace the paparazzi-lined red carpets, and are both heavy hitters in Italian pop culture.

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...

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...

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 ...

Martin Scorsese's Voyage to Italy

Martin Scorsese’s deeply personal documentary “My Voyage to Italy” is an exploration of Italian cinema and the films that shaped him as a director and storyteller. Released in 1999, the documentary is both a history lesson on Italian cinema and an autobiography of Scorsese’s childhood and artistic influences. Using family movies and actual footage, Scorsese begins by explaining how important movies were during his childhood in New York’s Little Italy. Because he suffered from asthma, he could not play outside often, so he spent much of his time watching films with his family. Italian cinema became a way for him to connect with his heritage and understand the lives, emotions, and struggles of not only Italian people but also his close relatives. He notes that these films were different from Hollywood movies because they felt more realistic and emotional. A large part of the documentary focuses on the Italian Neorealism film movement that emerged in the wake of World War II. The fil...

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 ...

Italian Cinema Today

Search This Blog