Christmas has arrived with the much-anticipated release of 'Cortina Express,' featuring beloved actors Christian De Sica and Lillo Petrolo. The film hit cinemas on December 23, 2024, mixing comedy and thrill to create a unique holiday experience for viewers.
'Cortina Express' stands out this year as it reinvigorates the classic cinepanettone genre, which has been popularized over decades during the festive season. Directed by Eros Puglielli, this film tells the story of a broke playboy trying to save his nephew from what appears to be a disastrous marriage. The cast is rounded out by notable names, including Isabella Ferrari, who brings depth and modernity to her character.
De Sica, who has appeared in numerous cinepanettone films over the years, emphasizes the innovative approach this production has embarked on. He contends, "This film depicts a society that's changed, capturing vices and virtues with humor" (Reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport). He encourages audiences to view it as more than just another typical holiday movie, mentioning its thoughtful narrative and witty dialogue.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the film is the dynamic on-screen partnership between De Sica and Lillo Petrolo, which they have described as magical. Petrolo expressed his excitement about this collaboration, stating, "The chemistry between Christian and me is magical. When crew members are laughing during takes, you know it's working!" This promise of comedic brilliance offers viewers the potential for memorable moments reminiscent of classic pairings from the film industry's past.
The film's modern twist continues with Isabella Ferrari's character, who breaks away from the traditional cinepanettone roles typically reserved for women. She stated, "We wanted to create modern characters, not clichés, and my role reflects intelligence and strategy." This shift aims to present female characters as multidimensional, engaging audiences on new levels.
Despite the film's innovative approach, it hasn't been without controversy. Just recently, Tg1 Rai, Italy's national television channel, made headlines by erroneously reporting the film's setting as Trentino instead of Cortina d'Ampezzo, which led to widespread backlash from local residents. Angry tweets and memes swiftly populated social media, sparking discussions about regional integrity and accuracy. Roberto Padrin, the president of the province of Belluno, condemned the "superficiality" of such reports, calling for more respect for local identities.
This misstep highlights the importance of accurately portraying places like Cortina, which has become synonymous with high-profile cinematic productions. The picturesque setting perfectly complements the film's engaging plot, which includes locations like Passo Falzarego, Hotel Cortina, and local iconic spots including renowned cafes and boutiques.
The filming was backed by regional support from Fondazione Veneto Film Commission, which noted the economic benefits of productions like 'Cortina Express' on local tourism and business. Luigi Bacialli, president of the commission, remarked, "Once again, the Pearl of the Dolomites serves as the ideal backdrop for film, highlighting the region's beauty and resonance within the narrative of Italian cinema."
While the misreport sparked controversy, it also caused renewed interest and conversations about the film's representation of the area. Jacopo Chessa, director of the commission, emphasized the promotional impact of publicized productions, noting, "Cortina Express is not just entertainment; it's pivotal for economic growth, thanks to its broad distribution and viewer appeal."
With its captivating cast, engaging plot, and beautiful locations, 'Cortina Express' aims to continue the long-standing tradition of festive cinema, engaging families and friends during the most celebrated season of the year. The movie is positioned not just as holiday entertainment but also as part of the cultural fabric of Italian cinema.
Christian De Sica has been notable for his long-running commitment to the genre and looks forward to reshaping its future. He remarked, "This is my 22nd cinepanettone, and I wanted to create something different—a movie for everyone, without resorting to vulgarity." His optimism may resonate with audiences feeling nostalgic yet eager for innovations within classic film frameworks.
Bringing together comedy, thrilling plots, and the stunning backdrop of Cortina D'Ampezzo, 'Cortina Express' serves both as homage to Italian holiday films and as a fresh take meant to entertain new generations. It remains to be seen how well 'Cortina Express' will do at the box office, but if early buzz is any indication, viewers are ready to embrace this instinctively festive offering.
