In 1974, Ettore Scola gave the world one of the most significant works of Italian cinema: “C‘we were loved so much”. Half a century later, this film remains a point of reference for its ability to expertly intertwine universal themes such as‘friendship, l‘love and social change, all‘inside the tumultuous scenario of‘Post-war Italy. In this episode of “Close encounters with AIACE”, Gianluca Gallizioli recalls the story of its iconic protagonists and of an Italy in profound change.
The plot unfolds through the vicissitudes of three friends – Gianni, Nicola and Antonio – whose lives intersect, unite and divide against the background of a‘A changing Italy, from the liberation from fascism to the years of the economic boom. Scola, with narrative mastery, explores the value of‘friendship in a context of political, social and cultural evolution, showing how i youthful dreams and ideologies are put to the test by time and life choices. The film stands out not only for its thematic approach, but also for the synergy between a exceptional castcomposed of iconic figures of Italian cinema such as Vittorio Gassman, Nino Manfredi and Stefano Satta Flores. Their performance is enriched by the presence of Stefania Sandrelli in a role that enchants and leaves its mark. The chemistry between the actors and their ability to bring such richly nuanced characters to life are key elements of the film’s success.
The faces of Italy in transformation
In “We loved each other so much”, Ettore Scola not only tells a story of friendship, but traces a path of reflection on the social dynamics of post-war Italy. The film explores how friendship can be influenced, and sometimes tested, by the ever-changing political, social and cultural context. The three protagonists – Gianni, Nicola and Antonio – embody different facets of the Italian social fabric, offering an overview of the various social classes, from the bourgeoisie to the proletariat.
Gianni (Vittorio Gassman) is the emblem of the bourgeoisie: a lawyer who, through marriage to a wealthy woman, distances himself from his youthful ideals in favor of a life of comfort and professional success. His personal story reflects the transformation of a part of Italian society, one that has chosen the path of moral compromise to obtain material benefits. Nicola (Nino Manfredi), represents the proletariat: a man of modest origins, an idealist who remains faithful to his principles of equality and social justice. His profession as a porter and his commitment to the community place him in stark contrast to Gianni, outlining the tensions and divisions within Italian society of the time.
Finally, Antonio (Stefano Satta Flores) is a character who oscillates between these two worlds. Passionate about cinema, he dreams of a career as a critic but finds himself trapped in an unsatisfying job. His figure is symbolic of the broken dream, of the ideal that clashes with harsh reality, offering a bitter but realistic vision of the Italian cultural context.
Stefania Sandrelli, in the role of Luciana, is the element that unites and, at the same time, reveals the cracks in the lives of the three protagonists. His presence embodies desire, beauty and missed opportunities. Luciana is, for each of them, a symbol of what could have been but, for various reasons, was not. Her figure has a crucial role in the plot because through interactions with her the life choices of the protagonists, their weaknesses and their regrets are highlighted. Thus, Luciana transforms not only into a beloved figure but also into one mirror that reflects the lives and personal choices of the characters.
Cinema celebrates cinema
It deserves to be underlined how the film celebrates two giants of Italian cinema: Federico Fellini and Vittorio De Sica. Fellini’s cameo in the film is not only a tribute to one of the most influential figures in our cinema, but also a symbolic meeting point between different artistic languages that have marked a‘era. Equally significant is the reference to Vittorio De Sica, to whom the film is dedicated in its final sequence. This dedication does not appear as a simple formal tribute, but as the recognition of the profound artistic debt that Scola and his generation had towards this great author, master of neorealism, whose work profoundly influenced post-war Italian and world cinema. The presence of Fellini and the dedication to De Sica enrich the fabric of the film, intertwining the story of his characters with that of cinema itself, and underline how “C‘we were loved so much” is a‘a work that celebrates, reflects and is part of the great Italian cinematographic tradition.
Today, half a century after its release in theaters, this masterpiece by Ettore Scola is not simply to be considered a film, but a true monolith in the history of Italian and non-Italian cinema. This work, firmly anchored in minds and hearts, continues to weave dialogues with new generations, demonstrating an artistic vitality that goes beyond time. Scola speaks with an open heart to the souls of yesterday, today and tomorrow, leaving a legacy that goes beyond the film itself: a powerful message about love, friendship and the human being’s ability to find, despite everything, strength to move forward.
by Gianluca Gallizioli
