'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

Luminous Legacies: Yoichi Ohira’s Murano Glass at Magazzino Italian Art

A new exhibition in Cold Spring, New York, is bringing the luminous legacy of Murano glassmaking into focus through the work of Japanese artist Yoichi Ohira. “Yoichi Ohira: Japan in Murano” is on view at Magazzino Italian Art until February 2027. The exhibit showcases the work of Ohira, who became a leading figure in the design of Venetian glassworks on the island of Murano. The exhibition features works that highlight the uniqueness of Ohira’s art across the decades of his career. Ohira’s earliest Murano works blend Venetian glass techniques with his own style. These pieces show balanced shapes, clear surfaces, and striking color combinations. His Venezia e l’Oriente (Venice and the Orient) decanters reflect Venice’s ties to the East, creating vases inspired by Marco Polo’s tales with a modern twist. The exhibition shows Ohira’s respect for Murano’s glass masters, displaying objects alongside preparatory drawings that map ideas to the final works of art. It also explores ho...

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 ...

The Extraordinary Career and Legacy of Dino De Laurentiis

Producer Dino De Laurentiis was one of the most prolific filmmakers ever, having produced or co-produced more than 600 films during a career that spanned seven decades. His legacy continues not only through the work of his children and grandchildren but also through a new generation of filmmakers in his Italian hometown. De Laurentiis was born in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius on Aug. 8, 1919, in the city of Torre Annunziata, located just minutes from the ruins of Pompeii. As a child, he worked at a local pasta factory owned and operated by his father. That experience had a profound effect on him, shaping a lifelong passion for food and an appreciation for business. At the age of 17, he decided to leave home for the big city. He arrived in Rome and enrolled in the prestigious film school, Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. After attending the school for about a year, he managed to produce one film in 1940, The Last Combat , before having to leave Rome temporarily for m...

Italian Cinema Today

Search This Blog