Italian writer and director Salvatore Mereu has divided this delightful film into four sections: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The playful moods of the dramas match the seasons. In the first, young Andrea (Daniele Casula) has an unpleasant encounter with a rat in the secret place where he has hidden his bath suit. Along with three buddies, he goes on an adventuresome ride in the back of a truck to the sea, which they have never seen before. On the way, they wrestle with each other and moon passengers in other cars. Andrea is the first one in the water, and for him it is a wonderful surprise which wipes away his fears of being pursued by his father.
In "Summer," Michele (Michele Carboni), a hard-working and shy shepherd, refuses to take an evening off with a friend to hear a rock concert. Instead he prepares some cheese to deliver to Massimo (Massimo Sarchielli), a carefree fellow who runs a café and is always trying to get him to relax and enjoy himself. He takes Michele to an air strip he runs and introduces him to Solveig (Caroline Ducey), a sexy pilot. She takes a shine to him and back at his place they enjoy some outdoor recreation that draws out a primal whoop from the shepherd.
Francesca (Yael Abecassis), a Carmelite nun, decides to go home for a visit and bids farewell to the other sisters. This young woman has not been home since the death of her mother. Predu (Pietro Arba), her elderly father, is happy to see Francesca, and he takes her to a wedding party in the basement of their building. The bride Simona (Lisa Chessa) shows her the dress, and they talk about the ceremony. Francesa feels out of place, and others seem awkward with her, not knowing what to say. The day of the banquet is spoiled by rain. The bride is disappointed, but a lively old codger arouses everyone by turning on the music and dancing in the rain. As Francesca gets aboard a bus and looks at the happy faces of the bride and the groom, she realizes that this world of her former life is now behind her. She clutches her rosary and begins to pray.
The final section, titled "Winter," revolves around Giorgio (Giampaolo Loddo), an elderly man who lives alone in a small apartment. He spends all day in elaborate preparations for a night encounter with Palla (Rossella Bergo), the town tramp. But in the midst of his happy time with her, listening to her play the accordion and sing to him, a surprise intervenes and steals him away for another adventure.
Salavatore Mereu's earthy appreciation of sex and all the pleasures of the senses is on wonderful display in this easy-going and convivial film.
Screened at the New Directors/New Films Festival, March/April 2004, New York City
