Canadian-Italian Comedy: Mambo Italiano

Compiled by Film Research Staff

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Maria and Gino (GINETTE RENO and PAUL SORVINO), emigrated from Italy to Montreal in the 50's and married after their arrival in "the new world", a world they still haven't quite gotten used to. Their world is shattered when their son, Angelo (LUKE KIRBY), decides to get a place of his own. "What is so wrong with living with your parents until you get married?" they ask. They are relieved however, when Angelo's childhood buddy, Nino (PETER MILLER), decides to move in with their son. After all, Nino is an old family friend and he's a respectable cop. Their relief is short lived, as they find out that Nino and Angelo are much more than mere roommates-they're (gasp) lovers! All hell breaks loose (Italian-style, of course!) Horror is followed by a general outcry, disbelief is followed by indignation, the battlefield is cleared, and "tutta la famiglia" goes to war!

Will Angelo and Nino be able to resist the gargantuan pressure coming at them from all sides and find the strength to survive as a couple? Will Nino be able to withstand the seductive charms of the voluptuous Pina? Will Angelo find the courage to fully come out of the closet and confront the whole of them while he accepts himself?

Mambo Italiano is hysterically funny and deeply moving. Adapted from the successful play by the same name, the movie explores further the subtleties and complexities of this quintessential Italian family-a family straddling the cultures, traditions, and mores of the old and new worlds.