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Thecinepanettoni (sg.:cinepanettone) are a series offarcicalcomedy films, one or two of which are typically released annually in Italy during the Christmas period. The films were originally produced byAurelio De Laurentiis'Filmauro studio.[1]
Starting in 1983, a number of farcical or comic movies were released every year around Christmas time in Italy, and were known ascinepanettoni, aportmanteau ofItalian:cine for "cinema", andpanettone is a type of sweet bread traditionally eaten at Christmas.
These films are usually focused on the holidays of stereotypical Italians: bungling, affluent and presumptuous members of the middle class who visit famous, glamorous or exotic places. Films were set, for example, in theNetherlands (Merry Christmas, 2001),Egypt (Christmas in Egypt –Natale sul Nilo, 2002),India (Christmas in India –Natale in India, 2003),America (Christmas inMiami, 2005, orChristmas inNew York, 2006), andCortina d'Ampezzo (Christmas holidays in Cortina –Vacanze di Natale a Cortina, 2011). Directors includedCarlo Vanzina,Enrico Oldoini, andNeri Parenti.[2] Many of the screenplays are not related to the Christmas season, other than those set in Italy.
The protagonists (almost alwaysMassimo Boldi andChristian De Sica) joined by other comic couples (Sabrina Ferilli,Ricky Memphis,Biagio Izzo,Alberto Sordi,Claudio Bisio,Alessandro Gassmann,Michelle Hunziker,Ezio Greggio) and international guests (Danny DeVito,Luke Perry,Ronn Moss) find themselves struggling with their holidays and the various messes that combine abroad. The children of these characters will often be the only ones able to solve the complicated situations created by their own fathers, who do nothing but get entangled in intrigues with the underworld or love affairs.
Italian critics[who?] have often considered such films of little ethical or educational value, because they contain large amounts of vulgar language, and characters being bad examples to younger viewers. In many storylines characters played by De Sica and Boldi, mature and elderly people, loom too large on the scene, preventing younger actors from making a mark in the films. Other critics have noted that this line of films, including the authors, actors and directors, are a reflection of the era and the power ofSilvio Berlusconi, and the ideals of his supporters.[3]
Despite their poor critical reception, by 2002 the films had grossed 700 billionlire ($350 million).[1]
Italy
Switzerland Switzerland
United States Italy
Netherlands
Egypt
India Switzerland United States United States
Dominican Republic
Brazil United States
South Africa Italy Dominican Republic
Mars
