Watch Fantozzi Against the Wind

Fantozzi Against the Wind is a classic Italian comedy from the year 1980, directed by Neri Parenti and starring Paolo Villaggio, Gigi Reder and Camillo Milli. The movie is a sequel to the popular Italian film series centered around the character of Ugo Fantozzi, a rube and hapless everyman. The Fantozzi series is considered a classic of Italian cinema and this particular entry in the franchise is no exception.

The film begins with Ugo Fantozzi (Paolo Villaggio), a timid accountant, being offered a job as chairman of a large corporation by his boss, the cruel and sadistic Mr. Silvani (Giuseppe Anatrelli). At first, Ugo is thrilled at the prospect of finally achieving success and respect, but soon he realizes that the job is not what it seems. The company is involved in shady deals and illegal activities, and Ugo is constantly bullied and humiliated by his subordinates and co-workers.

As Ugo struggles to cope with his new role, he finds solace in his family and old friends, including his childhood friend Filini (Gigi Reder) and his best friend Magnonicchio (Camillo Milli). The three of them go on a road trip to their hometown, where they reunite with old acquaintances and relive their past adventures. Along the way, they encounter a series of absurd and hilarious situations, including a visit to a nudist beach, a food poisoning incident, and a car accident.

Throughout the movie, Ugo Fantozzi represents the classic Italian stereotype of the little man fighting against a corrupt and unjust system. He is the ultimate underdog, constantly facing obstacles and being ridiculed by his colleagues, yet he never gives up. Paolo Villaggio's portrayal of Fantozzi is masterful, showing a great range of emotions, from fear and insecurity to determination and resilience. His performance is complemented by the brilliant comedic timing of his co-stars, especially Gigi Reder, who steals the show with his over-the-top performance as the outrageous and hilarious Filini.

What sets Fantozzi Against the Wind apart from other comedies is its clever use of satire and social commentary. The film tackles themes such as corporate greed, political corruption, and social inequality, using humor and irony to expose the absurdity of these issues. It is a critique of the Italian society of the time, where the rich and powerful exploited and oppressed the working class, yet it also provides a message of hope and resilience, showing that even the most downtrodden can rise up and fight back.

The movie is also notable for its impressive technical achievements. The cinematography is superb, capturing the beautiful landscapes and coastal towns of Italy with stunning precision. The music, composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, is haunting and melancholic, perfectly complementing the bittersweet tone of the film.

In conclusion, Fantozzi Against the Wind is a must-see for fans of Italian cinema and lovers of classic comedy. It is a timeless masterpiece that combines humor, satire, and social commentary in a unique and engaging way. The film's unforgettable characters, hilarious plot, and biting critique of society make it one of the best comedies ever made.

Fantozzi Against the Wind is a 1980 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.