The Best of Youth

The Best of Youth 2005

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Best of Youth (2005). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


As the fabric of their lives begins to fray, two brothers, Matteo and Nicola Carati, find themselves drifting apart after a heartbreaking attempt to save Giorgia, a young woman ensnared in the horrors of an abusive sanitarium. The painful aftermath of this experience leaves emotional scars that echo through their complex familial ties—rooted in tradition, their parents, Angelo and Adriana, stand as steadfast figures, while their siblings, older sister Giovanna and younger sister Francesca, symbolize the untarnished spirit of youth.

In the wake of their separation, Matteo’s internal struggles worsen, causing him to abandon his academic aspirations. Instead, he seeks solace in guiding mental patients through the streets, including Giorgia, whose life remains shackled to her own demons. In contrast, Nicola channels his energy into his studies, successfully passing an exam that paves his way toward a career in psychiatry.

As the brothers’ journeys unfold, their lives intersect in unforeseen ways. Motivated by compassion, Matteo’s determination to rescue Giorgia from the institution leads to heartbreak when authorities swiftly reclaim her. Overcome with despair, he turns to the army as an escape from his turbulent emotions.

Meanwhile, Nicola ventures to Norway and takes on the role of a lumberjack. There, he meets Giulia, a university student who soon becomes an integral part of his life. They eventually settle in Turin, welcoming a daughter named Sara as they craft their new family unit.

After completing his military service, Matteo returns to Rome, finding some semblance of peace as a police officer. Yet, beneath the surface, he grapples with persistent feelings of depression and anger. In Turin, Nicola builds a life with Giulia, although their relationship remains platonic, lacking the formal bond of marriage.

In Sicily, Matteo’s volatile nature leads him to flee the island, returning to Rome with feelings of shame that prevent him from visiting his mother. Meanwhile, Nicola’s path takes an intense shift as he becomes a psychiatrist, driven by the mission to address the injustices faced by those in mental institutions.

The brothers’ fates intertwine once more when Nicola discovers Giorgia, who now suffers in a hospital under horrific conditions. Her silence and fear vividly illustrate the trauma inflicted upon her by those meant to provide care.

As time progresses, Giulia’s life takes a turn as she becomes involved with a hidden cell of the Red Brigades. Her disappearance leaves Nicola in a whirlwind of confusion and heartache, while years later, a serendipitous reunion with Mirella at a library sparks a fleeting, passionate romance for Matteo. However, his sudden withdrawal leaves her heartbroken.

When Mirella returns with life-altering news, Matteo reacts harshly, prompting her to leave. As the countdown to a new year begins, he makes the tragic decision to leap from his balcony, a devastating end to his tumultuous life.

In the aftermath of Matteo’s death, the family fragments, with Nicola’s mother retreating into solitude, while Nicola is consumed by guilt, vowing never to let his brother’s fate repeat. Determined to take action, he arranges for Giulia’s capture, ensuring she spends 17 years in prison, protected from herself and others.

During Giulia’s incarceration, Nicola proposes to her, only to be met with refusal. In the meantime, a chance encounter with a photograph taken by Mirella reveals Matteo’s hidden legacy: he is the father of Andrea, Mirella’s son. This revelation leads Nicola to share the news with his mother, rekindling her sense of purpose as she bonds with Mirella and Andrea on the beautiful island of Stromboli.

As Giulia approaches her release, Nicola and friends embark on a project to renovate an old villa in Tuscany. Upon her release, Giulia encounters Francesca but refrains from connecting with Sara, instead observing from a distance. Sara, now pursuing her dreams in art conservation, becomes engaged to Mimmo, all while grappling with her mother’s past decisions.

After the passing of Nicola’s mother, he travels to Stromboli for closure and to honor their family’s memory. As the weight of grief begins to lighten, Nicola and Mirella discover a profound connection, navigating a budding romance amid their shared history. Simultaneously, a blossoming Sara confronts her relationship with her mother, prompting Giulia to reach out with compassion, albeit cautiously revealing her innermost self.

The film culminates with Andrea, Matteo’s son, embracing a poignant journey toward Norway’s North Cape—an important destination shared by his father and uncle, now a symbol of their unfulfilled dreams lingering in the hearts of those left behind.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Best of Youth (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Brothers in Crisis

Matteo and Nicola Carati experience a pivotal moment in their lives as they try to rescue Giorgia from an abusive sanitarium. This heartbreaking attempt strains their familial bonds and sets them on divergent paths filled with emotional turmoil and complex challenges.

Matteo's Departure from Academia

After the traumatic events surrounding Giorgia, Matteo abandons his academic dreams, feeling lost and disconnected. He instead seeks fulfillment by helping mentally ill individuals navigate through the streets, attempting to make sense of his pain.

Nicola's Academic Ascendancy

In contrast to Matteo, Nicola pours himself into his studies, achieving success by passing an important exam. This accomplishment sets him on the path to become a psychiatrist, fueling his desire to make a positive impact on mental health issues.

Matteo Joins the Army

Overwhelmed by despair after Giorgia is taken back by authorities, Matteo seeks refuge in the army. This decision marks a significant attempt to escape his emotional struggles and grapple with his turbulent feelings in a new environment.

Army base

Nicola's New Life in Norway

Nicola moves to Norway to work as a lumberjack, where he embarks on a new chapter in life. There, he meets Giulia, a university student who becomes an integral part of his journey, eventually leading him to settle down in Turin.

Norway

Building a Family

In Turin, Nicola and Giulia start a family, welcoming their daughter named Sara. This new chapter in their lives offers a hope for stability and love, contrasting sharply with the tumultuous experiences of Matteo.

Turin

Matteo Returns to Rome

After completing his military service, Matteo transitions back to civilian life as a police officer in Rome. Though he tries to find solace in his new role, he is haunted by lingering sadness, anger, and regret that stem from past decisions.

Rome

Reunion with Giorgia

Nicola discovers that Giorgia is suffering in a hospital, enduring horrific conditions. Her silent suffering brings the brothers' past full circle, as the trauma inflicted upon her sends waves of grief and anger through his life.

Hospital

Giulia's Involvement with the Red Brigades

As Giulia becomes entangled in a hidden cell of the Red Brigades, her sudden disappearance leaves Nicola devastated. This twist sends his life spiraling as he struggles to comprehend her choices and their implications.

Matteo's Tragic Decision

On the cusp of a new year, Matteo's inner turmoil culminates in a heartbreaking decision to leap from his balcony. This tragic act mirrors the unresolved pain in his life, affecting his family profoundly and irrevocably.

New Year Rome

Family Fragmentation

Following Matteo's death, the family begins to disintegrate. Nicola's mother retreats into solitude, while Nicola is consumed by guilt, vowing to prevent similar tragedies from befalling his loved ones.

Giulia's Capture

Determined to protect Giulia from herself and others, Nicola orchestrates her capture, leading to 17 years of imprisonment. This drastic measure, although painful, is intended to shield his family from her destructive choices.

Prison

Revelation of Legacy

A photograph taken by Mirella uncovers a shocking truth: Matteo is the father of Andrea, her son. This revelation prompts Nicola to share the news with their mother, reigniting her lost sense of purpose as she bonds with Mirella and Andrea.

Stromboli

Sara's Engagement

As Giulia nears her release from prison, Sara, now pursuing her aspirations in art conservation, becomes engaged to Mimmo. This engagement signifies a new beginning for Sara, intertwining her past with her mother's complicated history.

Nicola's Search for Closure

After the passing of his mother, Nicola travels to Stromboli to seek closure and honor his family's legacy. During this journey, he finds a renewed connection with Mirella, hinting at the possibility of healing and romance amidst their tragic past.

Stromboli

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Best of Youth (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Matteo Carati (Alessio Boni)

Matteo is a deeply complex character whose internal struggles define much of his journey. Initially filled with passion, his heartbreaking experiences catalyze a descent into despair, leading to his volatile nature and decisions that stem from unresolved guilt and trauma. His tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the impact of mental health struggles.

👨‍👦 Family 💔 Heartbreak 🌪️ Turmoil

Nicola Carati (Luigi Lo Cascio)

Nicola represents resilience and determination, navigating life's challenges while striving to uphold family values. His journey from a supportive brother to a determined psychiatrist reflects his commitment to helping others, even as he grapples with guilt over Matteo's fate. His character evolves into a figure of hope and healing amidst despair.

💼 Career 🧠 Mental Health 🎓 Education

Giorgia (Jasmine Trinca)

Giorgia is a tragic figure, caught in the horrors of an abusive sanitarium and emblematic of the themes of mental health and societal neglect. Her pain resonates deeply with both brothers, especially Matteo, who seeks to save her. Her character symbolizes the struggles of those who suffer in silence and the quest for compassion and understanding.

🌫️ Trauma 💔 Loss 🏥 Mental Health

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Best of Youth (2005), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The narrative spans several decades, encompassing key historical and personal moments that shape the lives of the characters. It explores the post-war era in Italy, reflecting on the complexities of mental health, family dynamics, and societal changes through the brothers' journeys and the evolving landscape of their lives.

Location

Rome, Turin, Norway, Sicily, Stromboli, Tuscany

The movie traverses various locations, with significant events taking place in urban settings like Rome and Turin, which represent the brothers' lives and struggles. Norway serves as a backdrop for personal growth and new beginnings for Nicola, while Sicily is tied to Matteo's challenges. Stromboli symbolizes a place of reconnection and healing, contrasting with the characters' emotional scars.

🏙️ City 🌲 Nature 🌊 Island 🏠 Home

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Best of Youth (2005). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Heartbreak

The theme of heartbreak permeates the film, as both brothers endure significant losses and emotional turmoil. Their attempts to save Giorgia highlight the pain of unfulfilled desires and the consequences of love intertwined with tragedy. The narrative illustrates how heartbreak affects family bonds, mental health, and individual choices.

🧠

Mental Health

Mental health is a central theme, addressed through the brothers' contrasting paths and their interactions with Giorgia and others in psychiatric care. The film sheds light on the stigma surrounding mental illness and the struggles individuals face within oppressive systems. Nicola's eventual career as a psychiatrist serves as a quest for justice.

👭

Family Bonds

The intricate web of family relationships is vital to the narrative, showcasing both the strength and fragility of these ties. As the brothers navigate their respective journeys, familial love, guilt, and responsibility influence their decisions. The family's evolution, especially after tragedy, highlights themes of reconciliation and the search for identity.

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