Synopsis

The top grossing film of the year in Italy, with over 5.5 million admission. Winning top awards at the David di Donatello Awards, including Best New Director, Best Actress and Best Original screenplay.

Delia is the wife of Ivano and mother of three. Wife and mother. She finds it only natural that these two roles define her. It is the mid-1940s in Rome, a city that struggles to find a balance between the positive momentum triggered by the Liberation and the misery the war left in its aftermath. Ivano is the undisputed master of the family and feels entitled to remind everyone of who the breadwinner is with nasty words, and often with the aid of his belt. His cranky father is the only person he respects. The spiteful elder needs round-the-clock care, and Delia is the only one to provide it.

Come springtime, the family is excited about the imminent engagement of their beloved daughter, Marcella. Delia sees a suitable wedding for her daughter as a life goal. Until one day, a mysterious letter arrives and fires up her courage to overturn all plans and start wishing for a better life, not only for herself.