Divorce Italian Style

(1961)

In the 1961 Italian film, Divorce Italian Style, Ferdinando Cefalù finds himself in a frustrating predicament. He desperately wants to marry his attractive cousin, Angela, but unfortunately, divorce is illegal in Italy. Determined to find a way out of his loveless marriage, Ferdinando hatches a plan to deceive his wife, Rosalia, into having an affair. His motive? To catch her red-handed and then commit a crime of passion, knowing that the law would show leniency towards a man who kills his unfaithful spouse.

Ferdinando enlists the help of a painter to tempt Rosalia into adultery, believing that she will succumb to temptation. However, to his surprise, Rosalia proves to be more devoted and steadfast than he had anticipated. His well-thought-out plan starts to unravel as he's confronted with the reality that his wife remains loyal to their marriage.

This dark comedy explores themes of fidelity, societal constraints, and the lengths people will go to pursue their desires. Divorce Italian Style sheds light on the absurdity of a legal system that denies individuals the right to divorce, ultimately leading to deceit and manipulation in the quest for personal happiness.

With its sharp wit and satirical take on Italian society, Divorce Italian Style remains a timeless classic, offering audiences a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of human relationships.