Sophia Loren is as magnificent as always. Amazing performance. It is a movie about gaining. Hope from nothing. About the inmate good in all of us that gives hope when there is none left. It is a tear jerker l, but definitely one to watch. And for all of Laura Pausini fans, her golden glove winning song "Io Si" comes at the end.

Humble stories like this are usually performative showcases in amplifying a screenplay's stirred drama for empathetic understanding in acknowledging difficulties that life tend to harden as one's challenge towards true inner strength. Another effect from this particularity is demonstrating potential connections between two different, diverse, layered backgrounds, eventually bonding with a caring grasp that film gracefully captures whilst under thematic recognition. This third adaptation of its novel is a generational welcoming with a well-framed portrait that backs up the title, best elevated by Loren and Gueye's chemistry as they expressed the discussed prompt exceptionally. (B+)

The Life Ahead tells the emotional and tear-jerking story of a Holocaust survivor (Sophia Loren) who takes in a young orphan (Ibrahim Gueye) who recently robbed her. The film is fantastic overall. Despite making rarer film appearances as time goes by, Sophia Loren as always puts on a phenomenal performance especially as the fierce yet patient Madame Rosa. The music in the film is fantastic as well especially the original song Io sì (Seen) by Diane Warren & Laura Pausini. The film's costume design had nuanced moments especially with the costumes worn by Sophia Loren because what she wore is what truly symbolized the entire film. The Life Ahead is a film that has wonderful complexity because throughout the film, we see an imaginary lion through the perspective of the young boy as the lion specifically symbolizes strength, courage, patience, and power. That's what The Life Ahead is. A film about strength and courage. Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren) had the strength to take in Momo despite his troublesome attitude. Momo had the strength and courage to find purpose because of Madame Rosa. The Life Ahead is a fantastic and emotional film that not only proves Sophia Loren's acting abilities are still extravagant but the film also tells us the true meaning of strength and patience.

With veiled meanings, stories not entirely explained on purpose, but brought to light with ingenuity, so The Life Ahead manages to establish itself as one of the best films by Edoardo Ponti and the glorious Sophia Loren, son and mother. For anyone who knows Sophia Loren (impossible), they know that she's a guarantee and a pleasure to see on screen; woman with a unique charisma, the representation of a Naples that was, representation of the diva and the humble, woman of the people and of the dreamers, art made woman, cinema made woman, once again manages to enchant in her so simple speeches, but so effective. Ibrahima Gueye, an amazing revelation, who manages, despite his debut, to act as a coachman for a tough film (by theme) to carry on. A motivated, incisive and clear Edoardo Ponti, with a warm and simple direction (not always in-depth and scrupulous), but perfect for representing a story of depth, thus bringing life not only to the story, but giving images to a novel that is already spectacular in itself.

A very touching storyline.

Edoardo Ponti is indeed the great film producer's son, and had directed his mother Sophia Loren in a very powerful and believable story of good over evil. This movie is so well acted, so engaging, and one that will be hard to forget. Not to mention the great Sophia Loren at 86. Her performance is epic.

Child actor Ibrahima Gueye is a rare gem! The closing theme by Laura Pausini is one surprise bonus too.

(Español / English) "Cuando pierdes la esperanza, suceden cosas buenas" Sumario: Debo confesar que tenía las peores prevenciones frente a esta película, temiendo un producto sensiblero o demagógico. Pero me he encontrado con una notable pintura de sus dos protagonistas, la octogenaria Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren) y el pequeño Momo, en un relato sobre el encuentro de dos sobrevivientes y sus desamparos, de dos destinos muy golpeados, al final y al comienzo de sus vidas. Si bien el relato se ciñe a un sobrio realismo de a ratos bastante duro, no escatima oportunos toques de un humor muy italiano a cargo de la propia Rosa y momentos genuinamente conmovedores donde se mezclan una profunda tristeza, lo irremediable, la esperanza y el consuelo. Como dice Madame Rosa: "cuando pierdes la esperanza, suceden cosas buenas" Reseña: Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren) es una ex prostituta sobreviviente de Auschwitz. En su casa de Bari alberga en forma temporaria a hijos e hijas de trabadoras sexuales y también los cuida mientras ellas trabajan. Un día, su médico y amigo el Dr. Coen (Renato Carpentieri) le encomienda el cuidado de Momo, un huérfano senegalés de 12 años de quien era tutor (Ibrahima Gueye), con quien iniciarán una conflictiva convivencia. Debo confesar que tenía las peores prevenciones frente a esta película de Edoardo Ponti (hijo de la Loren y el también legendario productor Carlo Ponti), temiendo un producto sensiblero o demagógico. Pero me ha sorprendido para bien. Está muy lograda la pintura de los dos protagonistas, una octogenaria Madame Rosa acarreando como puede ciertos traumas de su pasado y los crecientes achaques de la edad y un Momo poco dispuesto a resignar su libertad y una cierta independencia económica, basada en el trabajo de venta de drogas en la calle para un traficante local. Desde ya que se pone en el tapete la problemática de la inmigración africana al sur de Italia y también una brecha de clase muy evidente cuando vemos a Momo y a sus clientes. Como todo niño, Momo necesita desesperadamente figuras tutelares masculinas y femeninas que lo guíen y lo amparen. El encuentro de Madame Rosa con Momo es el de dos sobrevivientes y sus desamparos, el de dos destinos muy golpeados al final y al comienzo de la vida y si bien el relato se ciñe a un sobrio realismo de a ratos bastante duro, no escatima oportunos toques de un humor muy italiano a cargo de la propia Rosa y momentos genuinamente conmovedores donde se mezclan una profunda tristeza, lo irremediable, la esperanza y el consuelo. La Loren nos regala un gran personaje, totalmente antiglamoroso y querible, mientras que el pequeño debutante Gueye interpreta a la perfección esa combinación de niño desorientado y pequeño adulto. (Spanish / English) "When you lose hope, good things happen" Summary: I must confess that I had the worst precautions against this film, fearing a maudlin or demagogic product. But I have come across a remarkable painting of its two protagonists, the octogenarian Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren) and the little Momo and a story about the meeting of two survivors and their helplessness, of two very beaten destinies, at the end and at the beginning of their lives. Although the story sticks to a sober realism at times quite hard, it does not skimp on opportune touches of a very Italian humor by Rosa herself and genuinely moving moments where deep sadness, the irremediable, hope and consolation are mixed . As Madame Rosa says: "when you lose hope, good things happen" Review: Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren) is a former Auschwitz surviving prostitute. In her home, Bari, she temporarily shelters the sons and daughters of sex workers and also cares for them while they work. One day, her doctor and her friend Dr. Coen (Renato Carpentieri) entrusts her with the care of Momo, a 12-year-old Senegalese orphan of whom she was her guardian (Ibrahima Gueye), with whom they will begin a conflictive coexistence. . I must confess that I had the worst precautions against this film by Edoardo Ponti (Loren's son and the also legendary producer Carlo Ponti), fearing a corny or demagogic product. But it has surprised me for good. The painting of the two protagonists is very successful, an octogenarian Madame Rosa carrying as she can certain traumas from her past and the growing ailments of age and a Momo unwilling to give up her freedom and a certain economic independence, based on sales work of drugs on the street for a local dealer. From now on, the issue of African immigration to southern Italy is brought to the fore, as well as a very evident class gap when we see Momo and her clients. Like every child, Momo desperately needs male and female guardian figures to guide and nurture him. Madame Rosa's encounter with Momo is that of two survivors and their helplessness, that of two fates that were hit hard at the end and at the beginning of life, and although the story sticks to a sober realism at times quite hard, it spares no opportune touches of a very Italian humor by Rosa herself and genuinely moving moments where deep sadness, the irremediable, hope and consolation are mixed. Loren gives us a great character, totally anti-glamorous and lovable, while the little newcomer Gueye perfectly interprets that combination of disoriented child and small adult.

Beautifully filmed, capturing aspects of life in southern Italy really well. Strong performances all round - Sofia Loren turning in a convincing performance as Madam Rosa. Hard to believe La Loren is now 85.

Cuenta una historia poco novedosa y que se pudo desarrollar más, pero es bonita, sus actuaciones están bien, y la canción "Ío si" de Laura Pausinni al final completa el objetivo de llegar al corazón.

Some fine acting and a beautiful cinematography save this movie from a big disaster, Ibrahima Gueye is a good revelation and Sophia Loren builds a very interesting character, but it is a pity that the story doesn't evolve so much her past, her chemistry with Ibrahima is beautiful to watch growing... And last but not least, the song, that one is the star of the movie!

Sophia Loren is pretty good in this foreign film about an aging Holocaust survivor who forms a bond with a young immigrant... but the film was very slow and I had a hard time keeping my attention on it. Nominated by the Oscars for best original song for a tune that plays over the closing credits... but I had to watch the whole film anyway.

My God! A poem. Sophia Loren îs the metaphore of the film. The film îs simply a poetry. I cannot name it a masterpiece, because i am subjective, and for me îs more than a masterpiece. I won't say nothing about the story, just that you sit tight and breathe the movie. Natural, simbolic, wonderfull.

This is far from 'standard material'... Every aspect of the story is compelling, with the performances keeping it that way for the duration of the movie. The story is incredible. Its setting and soundtrack are perfect

Sophia Loren at her finest. I absolutely loved this movie. Hollywood really needs to take note, this is how to make a movie. Let the script and the actors tell the story, keep the shots simple, avoid the overuse of cutaways. Viola, a masterpiece of a movie.

The reviews i read were not that favorable but once again i find the critics looking to criticize. Sophia Loren played Madame Rosa very believably and it was a pleasure to see her take on a role like this. I can still feel the heart of the persona she created. The boy, ibrahime, a first time actor, was perfect for this role. The other characters held the story together. Not overly sentimental, as it might have been, E Ponti's direction maybe occasionally a tad slow sustained the right pace for the story to unfold. I liked this film very much. Give it a chance!

This film is very sensitive and the acting of Sophia Loren as always is superb. I'm fact, all the cast acted brilliantly. The music especially at the end somehow sums up all. It deserves to be watched and it deserves a 5 star rating.

Heart tugging movie with incredible acting. Seeing Sophia Loren again was amazing. I felt all the actors were very good. The movie drew me into the story of Momo and I was rooting for him to the end. Very touching.

This is a genuinely wonderful, strongly affecting film. Sophia Loren is still an impressive actor. We see her with all the frailties of old age, from the wrinkles across her majestic face to the sallow skin and the weakened frame that supports her once very lively and impressive physical form. While there is certainly fine supporting performances here, especially Zamora, Rossi, and Pirvu, this movie Loren & Gueye. Gueye sold me on Momo being a child in a terrible limbo who has already suffered more than any child of his age should. And on his feeling the authentic motherly love and concern from Rosa as well as Lola, Dr. Coen, Iosif, and feeling the warmth, joy and safety that comes with it. Strong work here from director Ponti and his co-screenwriter Natale- a compelling storyline, interesting, realized characters, appropriate and sustained tone, good pacing all add up to one of the better films of 2020. 3.8 stars

This film is amazing, a beautiful story and an amazing actress, Sofía Loren.