Good Morning, Night - Buongiorno, notte (2003) 

Released on region 2 DVD - Artificial Eye.

Just a little info about the film, this is a kidnapping drama based on a real incident, a point that was driven home to me as I was watching the film, "Aldo Moro" and "The Red Brigade" took me back to my youth, they meant little to me then partly because of my age and because it happened in Italy.

You don't need to know or be interested in the historical context of the film as it works well as it stands, you follow the story sharing the feelings and thoughts of the only female of the group of kidnappers, Chiara as her mind twists and turns as the all too palpable levels of tension and futility rise. We are given insight to her true feelings through a number of dreams she has during the film, although you are unaware these are dream sequences until reality slaps you in the face. An extremely good drama, well devised, constructed and edited. 

An excellent transfer of the best modern Italian film I've seen for quite a while. Sound options allow for stereo and 5.1 surround although you don't get much use from the rear speakers, mainly quiet ambient noise and the odd burst of Pink Floyd.

Subtitles are removable and are clear and sharp.

As far as extras go, there's a trailer for the film, a filmography for the director Marco Bellocchio and a very enlightening 40+ minute documentary covering the making of and giving some historical background to the film.

A warning though, during the documentary you do see vintage film of executions, they may be old but they are still shocking.

Cheers Trev.