# Testimone dello sposo, Il (1998)

### reviewed by
Ben Hoffman

                    Member OFCS   Online Film Critics Society

                                   THE BEST MAN

Poignant would be a good one-word description of this love story which takes place in Italy just as the 1900s is coming to an end. It is a time when most women had no idea of what love can be. While they made excellent mothers, and even very good wives, they thought that being obedient, faithful, dutiful to their husbands was what marriage and love were all about. Great emotion escaped them.

In THE BEST MAN, however, Francesca (the Spanish actress Ines Sastre) a young lady who is to be married to somene chosen by her parents, is suddenly, uncontrollably attracted to her husband's best friend. At the wedding, she pledges in her own mind, even as she says the vows, that she is really marrying Angelo (Diego Abantantuono), who has just returned from the United States after being away for 15 years, now a wealthy, handsome man.

Francesca hardly cares who knows her feelings but Angelo cautions her that this infatuation will ruin her life. Although Angelo reciprocates her love, he is able to be more sensibly prudent. Nevertheless they share a stolen, passionate kiss. Even Angelo's confession that he did not earn the money but inherited it from his hard-working brother does nothing to change Francesca's love.

Husband Edgardo (Dario Cantarelli) has found an old flame of Angelo's, Olimpia (Valeria D'Obici) and surprises him by inviting her to his home. Angelo tells Francesca there is no alternative, he cannot stay with her as it would be a scandal, so he must leave with Olimpia. Francesca runs away to a church where she lives and teaches, never forgetting her true love. Need I add that the story does not end there?

                        In Italian with English subtitles.

                  Story, screenplay and direction by Pupi Avati.

    3 Bytes

    4 Bytes = Superb
    3 Bytes = Too good to miss
    2 Bytes = Average
    1 Byte  = Save your money

                     Copyright 1998               Ben Hoffman

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