"Girl With a Suitcase" begins with a young lady (Claudia Cardinale) being abandoned by a man. He claims he has an appointment and will return but doesn't. The lady is stranded and calls the man's home. They have no idea who she's calling for, as he'd given her a false name--but the phone number and address were correct. Apparently this bum had used the woman and when he finds out about this, he convinces his 16 year-old brother to tell her that they have no idea who this man is who abandoned her and that she should leave. However, something strange happens--the young man becomes infatuated with her. While he doesn't tell her the truth, he does agree to help her and they form a friendship. If I were 16 and such a woman came into my life, I could certainly understand the guy--Ms. Cardinale was radiant in the film and I am pretty sure almost all the men in the theater seeing this were also infatuated with her!
Much of the film is very, very slow--and this is NOT meant as a criticism. It's just leisurely paced and lovely to watch--thanks to excellent acting and especially to the director's touch. This could have all seemed rather silly or salacious, but thanks to deft handling it's rather endearing and sweet to watch as it unfolds. Unfortunately, however, I would say that the last quarter of the film is quite different--and not quite as good. Still, overall, it's a very nice film and I can honestly say I can't think of another film like it! Some might be a bit put off by the age difference between the characters, but fortunately it did avoid being too creepy (see the film and you'll probably know what I mean).
Much of the film is very, very slow--and this is NOT meant as a criticism. It's just leisurely paced and lovely to watch--thanks to excellent acting and especially to the director's touch. This could have all seemed rather silly or salacious, but thanks to deft handling it's rather endearing and sweet to watch as it unfolds. Unfortunately, however, I would say that the last quarter of the film is quite different--and not quite as good. Still, overall, it's a very nice film and I can honestly say I can't think of another film like it! Some might be a bit put off by the age difference between the characters, but fortunately it did avoid being too creepy (see the film and you'll probably know what I mean).