When Caterina moves from the small village of Montaldo Di Castro to Rome, she is thrown into a world of new friends, politics, parties, and homemade tattoos. While only 12 or 13, the students constantly have political battles over communists and fascists and Caterina is forced to takes sides. Though Caterina explores new friendships, she never seems to fit in with any clique she joins. The only friend she can be herself around is Edward, her neighbor, who she only meets for a brief time before they’re separated. Alice Teghil, who plays Caterina, is cute, enthusiastic, and innocent throughout the movie, and it reminded me of entering junior high and trying to figure out where I fit in. I guess it’s because I could relate to Caterina that I liked this coming of age story.
Rating: ***