The Tiger and the Snow 2006

In 2003 Italy, Professor Attilio de Giovanni, a charismatic educator with a passion for poetry and a devoted father of two teenage girls, finds himself hopelessly enamored with Vittoria, his coworker and fellow writer. His ardent pursuit of her affections is met with indifference, yet he remains undeterred, fueled by an endless supply of romantic fantasies centered around their hypothetical wedding. Despite Vittoria’s obvious disinterest, Attilio clings to the notion that she might eventually reciprocate his feelings, provided she witnesses a tiger strolling across the snow.

Meanwhile, Vittoria embarks on a journey to Iraq, tasked with writing the biography of Fuad, a close friend and poet who is returning to his homeland after 18 years in France. However, her visit takes an unexpected turn when she becomes injured during the invasion of Baghdad. Desperate to save her life, Attilio (now impersonating a Red Cross surgeon) sneaks onto a flight to Iraq, navigating treacherous circumstances with wit and determination. Upon arriving at the Iraqi hospital where Vittoria is being treated, Fuad, ever the gracious host, directs him to an elderly pharmacist who recommends ancient remedies that manage to stabilize her condition, if only temporarily.

As Vittoria’s health continues to deteriorate, Attilio acquires scuba gear and a flyswatter – which he humorously dubs the “weapon of mass destruction” sought by the US military in Iraq. His unorthodox methods and quick thinking prove essential in keeping her alive. Undeterred, Attilio then ventures to an Italian Red Cross encampment, securing more advanced medical supplies that will ultimately nurse Vittoria back to full health.

In a poignant twist, Attilio’s triumphant return is tempered by the devastating news that Fuad has taken his own life. It becomes clear that Fuad had been struggling with suicidal thoughts, which went unnoticed by Attilio due to his preoccupation with saving Vittoria. Just before Vittoria awakens from her coma, Attilio finds himself mistakenly apprehended by the US Army as an enemy combatant. However, his freedom is soon restored, and he returns to Italy, forever changed by the events that have transpired in Iraq.

As the cinematic narrative reaches its climax, a profound revelation shakes the very foundations of the story. It emerges that Vittoria and Attilio share a complicated past, their union having been marred by the latter’s impulsive nature and penchant for distraction. The presence of another woman in his life had likely driven a wedge between them, precipitating their separation. Despite this troubled history, Attilio finds himself drawn to Vittoria once more, his visits to her and their children punctuated by an unmistakable longing.

As he prepares to depart the city, a chain reaction of events unfolds, sparked by a fire at the local circus. The ensuing chaos releases a menagerie of animals onto the streets, including a majestic tiger that finds itself in Vittoria’s path as she navigates her vehicle through the falling ash, which eerily resembles snowfall.

Meanwhile, Attilio remains tight-lipped about his true identity, refusing to acknowledge the connection between himself and the mysterious stranger who had tenderly kissed Vittoria’s forehead during her hospitalization. However, the threads of fate begin to converge when Vittoria notices a striking similarity between the stranger’s affectionate gesture and one that has become a hallmark of Attilio’s intimate interactions with her. The revelation is further compounded by the reappearance of Vittoria’s missing necklace, which had been safely stowed away by Attilio earlier in the story - now seen dangling from his neck like a tantalizing clue to their intertwined pasts.