Il Sapore Del Grano (Italian) [The Flavor of Corn]

This is definitely a controversial subject but it also depends on the outlook of an individual towards the film. SOme can be offended while others can see it as a poignant tale of love that can never come together. In either csae, the film still leaves a lot to be desired and explained and as a viewer I felt a little cheated when I did not get explanations to certain events n the film.

Lorenzo is a college student doing a student teaching assignment in a small Italian Village. He has recently lost his mother, is estranged from his father and has no family to speak of. One of his students Duilio atkes an instant liking for him and invites him home. Duilio's family is made up of his grandparents, his father, and a stepmother, and Lorenzo very much appreciates becoming a kind of surrogate cousin in the family. He is in the middle of a deteriorating, though short relationship with a woman and the human companionship is enjoyable. He ignores whatever sensual undertones there may be in Duilio's admiration of him. Furthest they go is when Duilio gives little kiss on Lorenzo's lips. When his step-mother thinks that there is something going on between the two, she asked her husband to ask Lorenzo to not visit them as often which he happily obliges although he is aghast to learn what Duilio's family thinks of the relationship. When Duilio's grandfather is ill, the stepmother asks for Lorenzo to take care of Duilio, because she is pretty sure that Lorenzo will not do anything wrong with Duilio. And this is exactly what happens. The next day, Lorenzo goes back to his college leaving his young student thinking that their relationship would never develop into a serious one because of age difference.

Was there really love between Duilio and Lorenzo. I am not sure. I think Duikio clearly loved his teacher but the teacher was as straight as it gets. He liked girls and fooled around with them but then he also enjoyed Duilio's company and also was aware of his love for him. Or maybe Lorenzo did love him because we see him struggle with himself when he and Duilio are alone finally and Lorenzo sees him sleeping. Was it just a matter of age difference or something else? Acting was good. Its surprising o see village people in 80s in Italy being open about various issues including a father talking to his son's teacher about not visiting the family and that too in a very low toned manner like 2 mature adults would do. Despite all this, the film did not leave back much to take home with me.

One time decent watch and that is it. (4.5/10)