Watch The Salt of Life

The Salt of Life is a 2011 Italian comedy-drama directed and written by Gianni Di Gregorio. It tells the story of a middle-aged man named Gianni, played by Di Gregorio himself, who is struggling to find joy and meaning in his life. Gianni is a retired civil servant who lives with his wife and daughter in an old apartment in Rome. He spends most of his time taking care of his elderly mother and running errands for his wife and daughter, who do not appreciate him enough.

One day, Gianni's friend Alfonso, played by Alfonso Santagata, suggests that he should start dating again in order to regain some of his lost youth. Gianni is initially hesitant, but eventually decides to try it out, thinking it might revitalize his life in some way. He starts meeting with various women, some of whom his friend sets him up with and others whom he meets on his own.

As he navigates the dating scene, Gianni realizes that he is still attractive to women, but he also learns that the courting process is not as easy as he thought it would be. He struggles to keep up with the younger women he meets, who are more interested in his money than in him as a person. Meanwhile, he finds himself drawn to an old flame, Valeria, played by Valeria De Franciscis, who is now married and has a daughter. Valeria flirts with Gianni and seems interested in having an affair, but Gianni is reluctant to betray her husband and family.

The Salt of Life is a charming and poignant film about the challenges of aging and the search for happiness. It is a satirical look at Italian society and its attitudes towards aging and women, as well as a heartfelt meditation on the joys and sorrows of middle age. Gianni is a lovable protagonist who is easy to root for, despite his flaws and weaknesses. His struggles to find love and purpose are universal themes that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or forgotten.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the color and vibrancy of Rome, as well as the small details of daily life. The script is witty and perceptive, with a light touch that never becomes too heavy-handed. The performances are excellent across the board, with Di Gregorio giving a standout turn as the endearing Gianni.

Overall, The Salt of Life is a wonderful film that will make viewers laugh and cry in equal measure. It is a touching and authentic portrayal of life's ups and downs, and a reminder to cherish the moments that make it worth living.

The Salt of Life is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 65.