TO BE TWENTY

Cinemavixion Review

Fernando Di Leo's "To Be Twenty" (1978) is a compelling, albeit bleak, exploration of youthful disillusionment and the harsh realities that can lie beneath the surface of promised liberation. Starring the captivating Gloria Guida and Lilli Carati as Lia and Tina, the film charts their journey from provincial boredom to the chaotic streets of Rome. Seduced by the allure of free love and a bohemian commune, their hopes quickly curdle into a grim involvement with prostitution and dangerous elements. Di Leo masterfully crafts a narrative that eschews romanticism for a stark portrayal of exploitation. The film's strength lies in its unflinching depiction of how naive aspirations can be twisted by circumstance. While the external data notes a 5.8 rating on IMDb, the film's impact transcends simple numerical scores, offering a potent social commentary that remains relevant. The performances by Guida and Carati are central to the film's success, conveying both vulnerability and a desperate resilience. "To Be Twenty" serves as a potent reminder of the often-unseen dangers that can accompany the pursuit of freedom.