Film Review

Noaki Schwartz

“Oriundi” revolves around the ghosts of a passionate love story between

two Italians who emigrate to Brazil. Together, they pour their energy

into opening a pasta factory, which -- guided by their love -- is at

first enormously successful.

However, with the passing of time and changing of hands from one

generation to the next, that feeling is somehow lost and becomes as stale

as dried pasta.

The story opens generations later with the Italian curmudgeon Pepe,

played by Anthony Quinn, who has become bereft of any will to live. He’s

lost his “only love,” Sofia, who flew off with another man in a plane

that exploded.

Enter the young and beautiful Caterina, a visiting student who wants to

research the immigrant family’s history. Almost immediately, Pepe sees

the student as his young Sofia. He has momentary, dreamlike meetings with

her that evaporate, leaving Pepe to wonder if she is his wife reborn, or

if he is simply going mad in his old age.

The lush Brazilian scenery, gorgeous language and misty dream sequences

all make for a poignant story about following one’s heart.

* “Oriundi” screens at 8 p.m. today at Edwards Island 7 Cinemas.