A Difficult Life

A Difficult Life is a social and humane portrait of Italy from the end of WWII till the mis 1960s, in the transition from fascism, through the tension between communism and capitalism, until the rise of the power of property. What would seem like some historical debate transforms, in the hands of director Dino Risi, into a glorious comedy – with a witty script and an abundance of ironic situations that continuously challenge the hero and his partner in choosing between ideology and everyday life. Risi's men are childish, while the women are left with the burden of handling the situation with a combination of a smile and rage. Alberto Sordi and Léa Massari are terrific, vibrant on his part, and steady on her part. These many virtues add up to a brilliant comedy that remains as relevant as ever.