Pranzo di Ferragosto

Beautiful debut of almost 60-year-old Italian director Gianni Di Gregorio from 2008. 

Gianni plays himself, a middle-aged Italian from high middle-class family, living with his elderly mother. For the holiday of Ferragosto on 15th August, everybody tries to get out of the city. Gianni has to stay home taking care of his mother, moreover, he has financial problems so he accepts the offer of the manager of his block of flats to cut off some of his debts in exchange to take care of his mother Marina, as well. They bring with them an aunt Maria, too, and for some more cash Gianni accepts her also. The one to finish a quaterfoil of elderly ladies is Grazia, mother of Gianni's friend - doctor...

For the two days when most of people are enjoying holiday with their beloved ones and families, Gianni is fully occupied with four posh elderly ladies. Each of them with her own moods and specialties, each of them fully jewellied and in make-up. Marina wants Gianni's mother's TV for herself and when they take it away from her, she refuses to eat. Grazia is supposed to be on a strict diet, instead, she eats everything she sees...

Funny situations with a bit posh, bit loony and bit childish ladies, showing us also how sweet and grateful they can be for a nice word or a bit of attention. And surely they make us think for a while where have the elderly people their place in our society...