I just saw this film in Jan. of 2007. Perhaps that's why I was disappointed. I admit I found it a bit derivative. It reminded me of the move and play _Jeffrey_ of 1995. But that's secondary. The most disappointing thing to me was the ending. (Warning: spoiler alert) In the end, it seemed to me that the going-back-in-the-closet-and-marrying-a-woman by the hunky and gay Nino was shown in a dismayingly approving, or at least accepting, way. Even though there's a hint of straying on Nino's part, the overall impression seemed positive. I was saddened by this. That's not a message I want to see in an otherwise gay-affirming movie. Yes, the movie was done in 2003. Yes, the comparison with the lead Angelo was effective. Yes, Angelo reconciles with his family and gets a new boyfriend. But couldn't Nino struggle and then finally accept who he is? Although suppressing who you are seems so "Boys in the Band," in this movie, that's apparently perfectly OK.
Review of Mambo Italiano
