In this beautiful, understated film, every character possesses a naive, heartbreaking honesty and every line communicates the sweet simplicity of basic human longing. From Danish director Lone Scherfig (ON OUR OWN), ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS uses natural lighting, muted cinematography, and a partially improvised script--falling into the Dogme 95 genre. The film is not about learning Italian, though the film's six thirtysomething characters all meet each other through an Italian class at the community center in their quiet, rainy town. The film is about real life and hardship and hope. A nurturing hair stylist, a clumsy bakery clerk, a committed pastor, a foulmouthed waiter, a friendly hotel manager, and a lonely waitress all struggle with the banality of daily life, while dealing with their own unique challenges. But as they begin to reveal themselves and their problems to each other, they form a bond and a network that is both a safety net and a new reason to live.

Theatrical release: January 18, 2001 (NY/LA)

This film screened in September 2001 as part of the 39th New York Film Festival, organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York City.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Letterbox - 1.85
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access

Distributor Notes: Italian For Beginners

An unforgettable romantic comedy that's earned overwhelming acclaim, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS is a warm and playful story about seven perfect strangers and the shared journey of discovery that changes each of their lives! In a small, rainy suburb, a mismatched collection of opposites have signed up for an Italian class in hopes of spicing up their lives! Then, as they realize the class offers them more than just language lessons, they join together on a quest to Italy with the renewed desire to pursue the romances of their lives! Once there, these world-weary students who thought there was nothing left to learn from life will get an education that will change everything they know about love!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Anders W. Berthelsen: Actor
Ann Eleonora Jørgensen: Danish Actress, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)
Anette Støvelbæk: Danish Actress, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)
Peter Gantzler: Danish Actor, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)
Lars Kaalund: Danish Actor, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)
Sara Indrio Jensen: Danish Actress, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)

Lone Scherfig: Danish Director, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)

Ib Tardini: Producer, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)

Lone Scherfig: Danish Director, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2001)

"...The actors, whom Scherfig cast against type, give distinctive performances....It's a charming and often affecting journey..."
"...This is a deeply whimsical piece....The first hour achieves some sharply intimate and discomfiting scenes. Lene Tiemroth is impressively awkward..."
"...Completely charming....A delicious and delicately funny look at the residents of a Copenhagen neighborhood..."
"...Charming....[The film] has warmth, wit and interesting characters compassionately portrayed..."
"...A rich and uplifting story....[With] a pleasing spontaneity....You'd be an idiot to miss it..."
"...A charming Danish comedy....[Scherfig] has a real affection for her characters..."