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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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