Purple Sea (Viola di mare)

The Purple Sea is the first Italian film that I have seen in a long time. I very much enjoyed seeing Purple Sea which explores the relationship of two ladies, Angela and Sara, in 19th Sicily. 

Angela (Valeria Solarino) has trouble fitting into the cast of village woman very early on. When Angela discovers a growing attraction to her childhood best friend, Sara (Isabella Ragonese), she cannot help but act on it. Her love is returned but the two get caught by Angela’s father (Ennio Fantastichini) whose only solution is to lock Angela in a basement until he can figure out what to do with her.

Angela’s mother overhears Salvatore, Angela’s father, complain that if Angela had only been a boy, they would not be in this mess right now. She realizes there is a solution here and Angela, because she wants to be with Sara, agrees to it; to cross dress as a man for the rest of her life. The rest of the movie explores Angela’s life as Angelo and the difficulties she and Sara face as a couple who have to hide their true nature. 

I recommend Purple Sea.