A duty-bound son learns the importance of being true to himself in this slick and bittersweet Italian comedy. Directed with panache by Turkey's Ferzan Ozpetek, the handsomely shot tale sees aspiring novelist Tommaso (Romanzo Criminale's Riccardo Scamarcio) caught up in a cross-generational tangle of guilt and self-sacrifice when his plan to escape the family pasta business by announcing he's gay is thwarted by his eldest brother's selfsame confession. Soap opera melodramatics combine with effervescent humour - some subtly witty, some laugh-out-loud outrageous - as Tommaso's consequent pandering to his traditionalist father's prejudices brings escalating emotional and physical complications. Delightful performances and Ozpetek's gentle touch ensure this tonal mix works beautifully, particularly in the increasingly moving scenes between Tommaso and his wise-through-heartache grandmother (a wonderful Ilaria Occhini), whose personal regrets are explored in flashback. The film's only real glitch is a confusing subplot that throws doubt on Tommaso's sexuality, but even this is so sweetly handled, it's easily overlooked.