Claudia Bertelli, the daughter of a successful Milanese industrialist, has a difficult time adapting to what is expected of her. Since early childhood she has always questioned authority and discipline. Her quiet life is about to change when she enrolls in Milan's university. The rebel students in Claudia's class decide they want to create their own style of education which borders in anarchy. Claudia finds a true friend in Calabroso, a good hearted soul, who stands no chance in winning her affections. Instead, Clauda falls for Lucio, the leader of the insurrection. Lucio is made to go abroad to avoid a sure jail sentence, leaving Claudia back home to fend for herself.
Claudia leaves her palatial home to live by herself. She will become involved in leftist causes throughout her life, while dabbling in the women rights movement that took the country by storm. In the process, Claudia gets pregnant. To the amazement of her parents, she gives birth to a black baby a Ghanan father sired, but who has decamped Italy. After that Claudia gets involved with an enigmatic Jewish man, Adamo, with whom she will settle down and have a daughter.
The story spans about fifty years and at the end of her life, Claudia is still searching for a sort of paradise she never finds. Only her loyal friend Calabroso stays with her after Adamo is no longer around.l Mario Monicelli, wrote and directed this film. It must be noted, this is not one of his best efforts, and yet, it offers some rewards to his many fans.
Best of all is an inspired Margherita Buy, one of the best actresses of her generation. Her Claudia goes from a sassy young woman to an evolved human being that decides to leave her comfortable life to get involved with causes that never get her real happiness. Lello Arena is Calabroso, the only true friend of Claudia. Dario Cassini plays Lucio, the idol who dumps Claudia, and Moni Ovadia appears as Adamo, the other man that influenced her life. The great Philippe Noiret and Aurore Clement are the aristocratic Bertellis, although they are seen briefly throughout the film.
Claudia leaves her palatial home to live by herself. She will become involved in leftist causes throughout her life, while dabbling in the women rights movement that took the country by storm. In the process, Claudia gets pregnant. To the amazement of her parents, she gives birth to a black baby a Ghanan father sired, but who has decamped Italy. After that Claudia gets involved with an enigmatic Jewish man, Adamo, with whom she will settle down and have a daughter.
The story spans about fifty years and at the end of her life, Claudia is still searching for a sort of paradise she never finds. Only her loyal friend Calabroso stays with her after Adamo is no longer around.l Mario Monicelli, wrote and directed this film. It must be noted, this is not one of his best efforts, and yet, it offers some rewards to his many fans.
Best of all is an inspired Margherita Buy, one of the best actresses of her generation. Her Claudia goes from a sassy young woman to an evolved human being that decides to leave her comfortable life to get involved with causes that never get her real happiness. Lello Arena is Calabroso, the only true friend of Claudia. Dario Cassini plays Lucio, the idol who dumps Claudia, and Moni Ovadia appears as Adamo, the other man that influenced her life. The great Philippe Noiret and Aurore Clement are the aristocratic Bertellis, although they are seen briefly throughout the film.
