Unveiling ‘Diciannove’: A Captivating Review and Insightful Film Summary (2025) | Roger Ebert

At the start of “Diciannove,” we meet Leonardo (played by Manfredi Marini), a young man eager to leave home. As he rides through the beautiful streets of Palermo, he shares a playful moment with his mom before stepping into a new chapter of life. Despite a pesky nosebleed, his excitement shines through. His journey begins with a move to London to join his sister at business school. However, feeling lost in the city’s gloom, he opts for a return to sunny Siena to study literature. Here, his quest for happiness and a sense of belonging kicks off.

“Diciannove,” directed by Giovanni Tortorici, dives into the often chaotic experience of young adulthood. This year—when one transforms from a carefree teenager to a budding adult—is both thrilling and confusing. Leonardo mirrors many college freshmen: immersed in studies yet struggling to connect with those around him. When his sister visits, she’s shocked by his messy cooking habits—a telltale sign of a young adult grappling with independence and responsibility. Leonardo is in a sort of second adolescence, pushing boundaries and sulking when faced with challenges.

Tortorici’s debut film adopts a vibrant and sometimes chaotic visual style, reflecting Leonardo’s wobbly steps into adulthood. Cinematographer Masimiliano Kuveiller crafts warm shots of Italy that contrast sharply with the cold, grey scenes in London. Through inventive editing and unexpected moments—like animated sequences or dramatic pauses—the film captures the intensity of Leonardo’s experiences.

Watching Leonardo navigate his insecurities can be tough. His attempts to find comfort in childish behaviors when faced with disappointment ring all too familiar. As he struggles to fit in, he turns to classic Italian literature, clinging to traditional values while paradoxically engaging in the very behaviors he criticizes. His journey of self-discovery also involves grappling with his sexuality, as he finds himself drawn to both men and women while wrestling with feelings of isolation.

Tortorici draws from his own life to shape Leonardo’s story, blending personal insights with creative storytelling. Marini gives a heartfelt performance, embodying the uncertainty of youth. His character often retreats into solitude, expressing his disdain and unhappiness through subtle glances. Caught between nostalgia for the past and fear of the future, Leonardo wanders through various cities, feeling lost and unfulfilled.

As audiences watch Leonardo’s struggle, they may see their own experiences reflected back. The film captures the awkwardness of growing up, emphasizing that maturity often takes longer than a single year. In a world where instant gratification is the norm, “Diciannove” invites viewers to slow down and embrace the messy, beautiful journey of coming into one’s own.

Recent surveys highlight that many young adults feel a disconnect during this transitional phase, with 70% reporting feelings of loneliness. This underscores the importance of films like “Diciannove,” which resonate deeply with those navigating similar paths.

Overall, this film is a poignant reflection of youth today—a reminder that while growing up is complicated, it’s also deeply relatable.



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