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Youth 15 rating

Michael Caine scintillates as a curmudgeonly composer in Paolo Sorrentino’s deliciously bittersweet drama.

Drama 2015 119 mins

Director: Paolo Sorrentino

CC

Overview

Acclaimed Italian director Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty) presents this deliciously bittersweet drama, focusing on the friendship between Fred (Michael Caine, in scintillating form), a curmudgeonly retired composer and elderly film director Mick (Harvey Keitel).

Fred is resisting attempts to revive his greatest work, while Mick is desperate to make a comeback movie starring his former muse and favoured actress Brenda (Jane Fonda). If that weren’t enough, members of Fred’s family suddenly arrive on the scene.

Sorrentino demonstrates his complete mastery of storytelling by skilfully weaving the various narrative strands into a moving, funny and affecting whole. Stylish, witty and emotionally resonant, Youth also features sharp and smart references to pop culture – including a cameo by Paloma Faith – as well as movies past and present. It offers further evidence, if any were needed, of Sorrentino’s position as one of contemporary cinema’s finest filmmakers.

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