242. Citizens Of The World (Cittadini del Mondo); movie review

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD (CITTADINI DEL MONDO)
Cert TBA
92 mins
BBFC advice: TBA

I am not too far away from 60 and am already looking ahead to the journeys which Mrs W and I might take in the future.
Therefore, I was plugged into Gianni Di Gregorio's rather gentle comedy/drama Citizens Of The World more than I previously might have been.
The trio at the centre of the plans are a decade or so older and are on their own (I neither can nor want to conceive of the latter).
Di Gregorio himself stars as 'the professor' - a former teacher - who is mapping out a restful new location to spend the rest of his life - with his best friend (Georgio Colangeli).
They rope in an antiques dealer (the late Ennio Fantastichini) who is beguiled by their stories of the good life.
There are only two problems. None of them has adequate funds or any notion of where in the world they want to emigrate.
And despite their vigour in discussing exotic new homes, can they really cut the ties which bind?
These questions begin to arise over family, friends and even romantic interests.
And then there is the extra dimension of a young asylum seeker (Salih Saadin Khalid) whom they have befriended but cannot afford to join his family in Canada.
I rather liked Citizens Of The World and its Last Of the Summer Wine-type characters who seem so easily distracted by a bottle of wine and nice meal.
It had me yearning for the easygoing pace of the Mediterranean countries.
However, I confess it may have caught me on a day when my head was entertaining happy thoughts of retirement and I could understand critics who would claim that not a lot happens.
Although that may be its point.

Reasons to watch: A lovely ambling comedy
Reasons to avoid: Some will find it soo slow

Laughs: Three
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this archipelago of nine islands has a pretty perfect climate and the islands are stunningly beautiful, peaceful yet quite active locations offering would-be retirees a wealth of choice when it comes to activities as well as an affordable cost of living and a lovely location.

The final word. Gianni Di Gregorio: "The older I get, the fewer fears I have. Nowadays 70 is young! There is still so much to do, so much to explore.” The Guardian

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