Long Live Freedom (2013)

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

This movie about a left-wing Italian politician, draws on familiar and brilliant material: comedies about twins being confused with each other (Plautus), the stunning Arabian tale of Abou Hassan or the sleeper awakened (an ordinary guy gets to be Caliph for a day), the WW I movie King of Hearts, Being There with Peter Sellers, and Dave. As his party faces voter disaffection, the politician goes into hiding in France and his look-alike brother, a mental patient, takes his place to lead the party and rally the voters. Toni Servillo does an excellent job playing both brothers and succeeds in making them look and act very different from each other. The problem lies in the writer/director's uncertainty where to take the story; this uncertainty is reflected in the vapid and vague speeches that the (fake) politician delivers--it is hard to believe that any voters would be moved by this cliched drivel. Is the author/director therefore making fun of politics? Are we supposed to be charmed and amused by these speeches or to recognize their emptiness? What is the writer/director trying to tell us about politics and about the Left in Italy? And the politician's French love interest is also annoying and unconvincing. After a promising start with an engaging premise, the movie peters out in a disappointing way.

Viva la Liberta (2013)Maybe I'm programmed to like this kind of scenario: a boring politician is replaced with someone who is idealistic and fun, and who tells it like it is. The American version of this is "Dave" which is a hoot. Now we have an Italian version, which is more subtle and poetic. Definitely worth seeing.The genius here on screen is the actor Toni Servillo who plays both men, the senator and the slightly wacky twin brother who takes his place. It all happens so naturally, with one small twist after another. There are past loves and political foes that factor into both lives equally, to the point that you might not be sure who is who, and if there are in fact two people after all.But then, that's the magic of how this comedy is made. It is full of laughs, but it's oddly brilliant and philosophical, too. It can be appreciated on a million levels, so just let it seep into your pores.

Previous reviewers mentioned how this movie reflects the politics of Italy. I would say this movie is reflective of not only political reality in Italy, but many other countries where bipartisan politics has turned governments into corrupted systems that serve only the political and corporate elites of the society at the expense of ordinary citizens, irrespective of which party is in power. Although the storyline evolves around a politician, politics is surely not the centre stage of the film. It is about catastrophe at national, organisational and personal levels, and how passion, courage and art emerge as saviours that lead the protagonist through the crisis. The message is beautifully delivered, and delivered at an opportune time, where people in many parts of the world have been very much exhausted and frustrated by the prolonged political and economic crisis.The acting of all the actresses and actors are very remarkable and enjoyable indeed; but that of the leading actor is particularly fascinating and impressive. You will not be disappointed!

This film is very entertaining and actually the Italian political scene ... A political crisis ... flees his right arm Bottini agree with his wife replaces, on a bet, with the twin a philosopher out of the madhouse ... Fantastic fun script ... real recited perfectly .... ... anthology from the improvised dance with Merkel under the astonished eyes of Bottini (Mastandrea) and the final Mastandrea who secretly spy to know which of the 2 twins is back ... and the question remains ... beautiful ... Screenplay with wonderful dialogues, director hoc.Una special mention to the interpretations of Tony Servillo (the twins) and Valerio Mastandrea (Bottini as a partner) ... and fun ... sublime expressions, dialogues looks high class of acting. Must see ... Italy ... unfortunately this did went center ... a movie can compete Oscar 2014 ...