THAT SPLENDID NOVEMBER

Cinemavixion Review

Mauro Bolognini's "That Splendid November" (1969) is a poignant exploration of burgeoning desire and adolescent turmoil set against the evocative Sicilian landscape. The film centers on Nino, a young man grappling with the recent loss of his father, who finds an unexpected and intense connection with his aunt, Cettina. Gina Lollobrigida delivers a compelling performance as the aunt, whose own childless existence and burgeoning desires intertwine with Nino's developing sexuality. The narrative masterfully captures the complexities of their relationship, which blossoms from maternal comfort into an all-consuming passion. However, the idyll is shattered by Nino's discovery of Cettina's affair, plunging him into a vortex of jealousy and incomprehension. Bolognini directs with a sensitive hand, drawing out nuanced performances from Lollobrigida, Gabriele Ferzetti, and André Lawrence. While the film garnered one nomination, its critical reception and box office performance are not widely publicized, yet it remains a significant work in Italian cinema for its unflinching portrayal of taboo themes and adolescent awakening. "That Splendid November" is a mature and visually rich drama that invites contemplation on the nature of desire, loss, and the often-painful journey into adulthood.