Blu-ray Movie Reviews

"I Am Love" tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family, whose lives are undergoing sweeping changes. Eduardo Sr., the family patriarch, has decided to name a successor to the reins of his massive industrial company, surprising everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi, and grandson Edo. But Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a handsome and talented chef. At the heart of the family is Tancredi's wife Emma, a Russian immigrant who has adopted the culture of Milan. An adoring and attentive mother, her existence is shocked to the core when she falls quickly and deeply in love with Edo's friend and partner Antonio, and embarks on a passionate love affair that will change her family forever.

The director of this film obviously has a passion for seventies arthouse cinema. The photography looks straight out of that decade (and even the late 60’s) and has a softer look with muted colors. If you didn’t know it you’d almost swear this film was an older catalog title re-released on Blu-ray. Aside from the obvious stylings, the image retains a nice cinematic quality with good depth. The soundtrack is delivered in its native Italian with English subtitles. The score is quite dramatic and at times didn’t seem to fit the mood or atmosphere of the film. But it was grand in its own right and managed to bring up the dynamics of the otherwise subtle mix.

Extras include a feature commentary with the director and lead actress along with a look at the production with onset footage and interviews. You also get some trailers.

This is indie arthouse cinema through and through. Not everyone will appreciate the style or subtle randomness of the story, but I enjoyed the premise and great performances. But I would stick to a rental for this one.