WONDROUS BOCCACCIO (Meraviglioso Boccaccio) (2015) - ♦♦

Directed by - Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani

Written by - Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani (based on stories by Giovanni Boccaccio)

Starring - Lello Arena, Paola Cortellesi, Carolina Crescentini, Flavio Parenti, Vittoria Puccini, Michele Riondino, Lim Rossi Stuart, Riccardo Scamarcio, Kasia Smutniak, Jasmine Trinca, Josafat Vagni

 

"A group of young people escapes a plague ridden Florence in the countryside, where they keep themselves entertained by telling each other a series of stories, some funny, some tragic. 

 
THE DECAMERON by BOCCACCIO is a classic of Italian literature that has been adapted for the big screen numerous times, but this particular version by the great TAVIANI BROTHERS is not only one of its least inspired and dullest renditions, but also one of the least notable works in the illustrious filmmography for its makers. 
 

Reportedly, one half of the directing team fell ill during the making of WONDROUS BOCCACCIO, which might explain a lack of notable emotions and the autopiloted structure that defines this vastly underwhelming film, which in addition is also plagued by some truly woeful acting, that let the viewer down particularly after the intensity of the dark and sinister tones with which the film opens up."

 

Period Drama, Italy/France