Viva la liberta

Viva la liberta is a 2013 Italian movie directed by Roberto Ando, starring Toni Servillo, Valerio Mastandrea, and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi. It's a political comedy-drama that explores themes of identity, power, and the fragility of human relationships.

The story follows Enrico Oliveri (Toni Servillo), the leader of the opposing political party in Italy, who, after a series of political scandals, finds himself on the brink of a nervous breakdown. In an attempt to escape the constant media attention and pressure, he disappears and hides in Paris, leaving his party in chaos.

In his absence, his aides attempt to find a suitable replacement for him, but their search turns out to be futile. Until one day, Enrico's twin brother, Giovanni Ernani (also played by Toni Servillo), a philosophy professor with a history of mental health issues, comes to Rome for a visit. Giovanni is convinced by Enrico's aides to impersonate his brother and take his place as the leader of the political party.

Giovanni proves to be a hit with both the party members and the public, thanks to his unconventional and refreshing approach to politics. He gives candid interviews, speaks his mind, and connects with the people on a personal level. However, his newfound popularity puts him in the spotlight, and he realizes that he is in way over his head. Meanwhile, Enrico finds solace in Paris, where he meets and befriends a young woman named Danielle (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi), who helps him deal with his personal demons.

As the movie progresses, the storylines of Enrico and Giovanni intersect, revealing the complex relationship between the two brothers. Both of them have struggled with their identity and place in society, and their experiences have shaped their views on politics and life in general. Additionally, the movie sheds light on the inner workings of Italian politics, highlighting the corruption and opportunism that breeds from it.

What sets Viva la liberta apart from other political movies is its surreal and witty tone. The movie uses humor and satire to comment on the state of politics in Italy, but it also has heart, thanks to the nuanced performances of the cast. Toni Servillo, as always, delivers a powerhouse performance, portraying both Enrico and Giovanni with depth and authenticity. Valerio Mastandrea is also excellent as Enrico's loyal aide, who becomes conflicted with his involvement in the political machinations.

Overall, Viva la liberta is a smart, entertaining, and thought-provoking movie that offers a refreshing perspective on politics and mental health. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in Italian cinema or political satire.