The Trial Begins
- Fanny Ardant: Caterina
- Michele Lastella: Filippo
- Giulia Bevilacqua: Francesca
- Augusto Zucchi: Commander Salvi
- Antonio Gerardi: Donati
- Piero Albertelli: Sarto
- Giuseppe Ariobazzone: Receptionist
- Sebastiano Busiri Vici: Fiore
- Emiliano Campaiola: gallery
- Sergio Di Giulio: Bussi
- Nicola Labate: Patrizi
- Loredana Martínez: Donati's Secretary
- Giacomo Piperno: Rizzi
L' ora di punta (German: " Rush Hour " ) is an Italian film drama starring Fanny Ardant from the year 2007.
Action
Filippo Costa follows in the footsteps of his father and begins in Rome a career in the finance department of the Italian military. His ambition quickly gives him the attention of his superiors, including Commander Salvi. Ruthless and determined to become a powerful businessman, Filippo rises quickly up the career ladder. As a civil servant he is searching for tax evaders, from which he often takes bribes. In this way, he heaps soon to a small fortune. The separation from his girlfriend Francesca throws him though briefly off track, but soon he focuses again entirely on his career.
As Filippo should check the balances in an art gallery, he meets Caterina, the owner of the gallery. He and the older but still attractive widow to spend a night together and begin a relationship. He moves into their house and rises through their business contacts into a construction business. He also shows few scruples as to his old post. With Francesca, he has now reconciled. Henceforth, they meet regularly in a hotel, where he gives her an engagement ring.
When the businessman Donati, who had Filippo once bribed, threatened to blow the whistle on him, Filippos star begins to sink. Caterina finds out, meanwhile, that Filippo cheating with Francesca. This in turn angry reproaches him the engagement ring in front. After Donati was shot while walking with his dog by a stranger, Filippo versa crawling back to Caterina, which he now presents the same ring, which he had previously given Francesca. Although Caterina still feels exploited by him, she lets chill champagne.
Background
The Drama celebrated on 6 September 2007, premiered at the International Film Festival in Venice, where it was in competition for the Golden Lion. In Germany the film was not yet published.
Criticism
According to Jay Weissberg from Variety, the film " great script problems " on, as if the leaders themselves were not sure " how the characters presented and intended to be held credible ". One reason for the " disappointment " is clear from the " high expectations " that would Marras stoked previous films. The camera work was indeed " beautiful but boring".
Awards
At the International Film Festival of Venice, the film took in 2007 in the competition for the Golden Lion, which ultimately Ang Lee's Lust, Caution (Se, Jie ) was excellent.