italian for beginners

When the young, recently-widowed, minister, Andreas (Berthelsen), arrives in town to fill-in for a suspended, pastor, he expects to stay for only a short while. To pass his time, he is encouraged to take Italian lessons where he meets Olympia (Stovelbaek), a sweet, but very clumsy woman who is caring for her sick, but mean and insulting father. As their relationship develops, he discovers a very good reason to stay. Meanwhile the mild mannered hotel receptionist, Jorgen (Gantzler) has fallen for an Italian cook (Jensen) and thinks that Italian classes may help him. Little does he know that she is waiting for him to make the first move. Hairdresser Karen (Jorgenson) is also attracted to the aggressive cafe manager Halv-Finn (Kaalund) of the local stadium. Three deaths bring these people together.

So the Italian class is a metaphor for the lovesick, who use it to add a bit to their life. Of course they have it in them anyway, it is just a means of expressing themselves. With some restrained but touching performances all round and a few basic sets (apart from Venice), this is a touching romantic drama. Think of the Irish ones without the whimsy and you will be spot on.