The Birds, The Bees & The Italians (Signore & Signori)

I'm a lifelong journalist, with some years as a film critic included in my background, so I thoroughly enjoy exploring areas of world cinema that I have overlooked through the years. I do note that at least one other reviewer mentions coming to this film because of Divorce, Italian Style. Same here.So, here are some of my tips for customers:First, Germi gained his global fame as a comic director with the biting social critique of the dark comedy, Divorce, Italian Style, all about how it was still possible in Italy to murder your spouse and do relatively little jail time. Germi's movie was part of the wave of public awareness that eventually changed Italian laws. So, it wasn't just dark comedy for its own sake. There was a social-justice component. If you want to fully explore that larger context, get a copy of the Criterion edition of Divorce and watch all the "extras."Then, because I had recently done just that, I wanted to see this additional comedy. Having understood a lot about Germi's comedic style, I was ready to enjoy this movie. I think that, without some background, this movie would come across as wild, very loud, sort of slapstick mish-mash of over-the-top Italian actors trying way too hard to be funny.However, if you understand more of the context of hypocrisy and injustice that Germi wanted to lampoon, then the three tales in this movie make more sense. I still did not find this movie riotously funny, but I did chuckle a few times.It truly is a gem in Germi's body of work, well worth seeing again. But it is a bit more difficult to appreciate this one than, say, the rather straight-forward lampoon of Divorce.

The beginning of the movie was a bit slow, but it really picks up steam as it goes on and the characters are developed. Interesting take on one group of Italians in "high society." Interesting plot turns. Way ahead of its time, so of course it received awards. Great historical film in many ways.

As I become more familiar with director Germi, I become more appreciative. My first impression was that Divorce Italian Style was his only significant film, but that has changed for me as I look forward to seeing his films more and more. The biting social satire that marks his films is perhaps never more fully expressed than in The Birds, The Bees, & The Italians. Also, I was not sure, at first, about the idea of several separate episodes in one movie. But it is the use of the episodes, that is Germi's master stroke. Threads run through each episode and each episode builds upon the absurdities of episodes that may have gone before, until the movie ultimately builds to a laughable crescendo. A true work of genius and a worthwhile viewing experience.

My father had the soundtrack for this film back in the 60's and I always thought the music was so catchy and fun to listen to. The movie won the Cannes Film Festival in 1966 but has never been available until just recently (been searching for years). It made a great Christmas surprise gift for my dad who has been looking for the film for years. There are subtitles but the film is easy to watch and the characters are quirky and interesting.

Really funny movie, great characters. I liked it better the second time when I could sort out the different personalities.

DUMB !

GREAT! thanks