Youth is a drama film directed by Paolo Sorrentino, released on May 20, 2015, at the Cannes Film Festival and later worldwide. The movie explores themes of aging, friendship, regret, and the fleeting nature of life. With a star-studded cast, including Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano, and Jane Fonda, Youth is a visually stunning and emotionally moving film.
The movie has a slow yet poetic storytelling style, filled with deep philosophical undertones. It focuses on two old friends reflecting on their lives while vacationing in a Swiss resort. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its cinematography, music, and performances. But does it live up to its artistic ambitions? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- Brilliant Performances
- Stunning Cinematography
- Deep and Thoughtful Writing
- Music That Touches the Soul
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Worldwide Box Office Collection:
- Day-Wise Earnings (India & Overseas):
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
2. Plot Summary
Youth follows Fred Ballinger (Michael Caine), a retired composer, and Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel), a veteran filmmaker, as they spend time in a luxurious spa resort in the Swiss Alps. Fred, who no longer composes music, is approached by the British Royal Family to conduct one of his famous pieces for Prince Philip’s birthday. However, he refuses, citing personal reasons.
Meanwhile, Mick is working on what he believes will be his final film, gathering a team of young screenwriters to craft the perfect ending. As they interact with various guests at the resort, including a struggling actor (Paul Dano) and Fred’s daughter Lena (Rachel Weisz), they begin to confront their past choices, regrets, and the inevitable passage of time.
Without revealing too many spoilers, Youth is less about a structured narrative and more about emotions, memories, and the philosophy of growing old.
3. What’s Good?
Brilliant Performances
Michael Caine is outstanding as Fred, delivering one of the most heartfelt performances of his career. He perfectly captures the emotions of a man struggling with his legacy and inner turmoil. Harvey Keitel also shines as Mick, portraying the desperation of an aging artist who refuses to give up on his dreams. Jane Fonda’s brief but powerful appearance as a fading Hollywood star is another highlight.
Stunning Cinematography
The film’s cinematography, handled by Luca Bigazzi, is breathtaking. The Swiss Alps provide a visually mesmerizing backdrop, enhancing the movie’s meditative atmosphere. Each frame is carefully composed, creating a dreamlike, almost surreal effect.
Deep and Thoughtful Writing
Sorrentino’s screenplay is poetic, philosophical, and layered with meaning. The dialogues are filled with reflections on love, loss, fame, and mortality. Some scenes feel almost like a series of paintings, where visuals and words blend beautifully.
Music That Touches the Soul
Music plays a crucial role in Youth, both within the story and as part of its emotional impact. David Lang’s soundtrack, especially the final piece “Simple Song #3,” is deeply moving. The use of classical and orchestral music enhances the film’s themes of nostalgia and beauty.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔ Amazing acting – Every actor delivers a powerful performance.
✔ Beautiful cinematography – The landscapes and visuals are stunning.
✔ Meaningful storytelling – The film explores deep themes of life and aging.
✔ Great music – The soundtrack is emotionally impactful.
Weaknesses:
✖ Slow pacing – The movie is not for those looking for a fast-moving plot.
✖ Abstract storytelling – Some viewers may find the film confusing or too philosophical.
✖ Lack of strong conflict – It focuses more on emotions rather than dramatic tension.
While Youth is artistically brilliant, it may not appeal to those who prefer action-packed or straightforward narratives.
5. Target Audience
This movie is best suited for:
- Fans of artistic and philosophical cinema – If you love deep, thought-provoking films, this is for you.
- Lovers of strong performances – The acting alone makes this film worth watching.
- Cinephiles and critics – If you appreciate excellent cinematography and direction, Youth is a visual delight.
- People who enjoy slow-paced dramas – If you liked The Great Beauty or Lost in Translation, you’ll probably love Youth.
However, if you prefer fast action or lighthearted entertainment, this movie might not be for you.
6. Box Office Details
The movie was made with a budget of ₹80 crores (approx. $10 million USD). It received mixed commercial success but performed well among critics and film festivals. Here’s a breakdown of its box office performance:
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
| Region | Earnings (INR) | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| India | ₹12 crores | $1.5 million |
| United States | ₹48 crores | $6 million |
| Europe | ₹88 crores | $11 million |
| Other Regions | ₹16 crores | $2 million |
| Total Collection | ₹164 crores | $20.5 million |
Day-Wise Earnings (India & Overseas):
| Day | India (₹ crores) | Overseas (₹ crores) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹2.5 crores | ₹6 crores |
| Day 2 | ₹3 crores | ₹7 crores |
| Day 3 | ₹2.8 crores | ₹6.5 crores |
| Day 4 | ₹1.5 crores | ₹5 crores |
| Day 5 | ₹1 crore | ₹4 crores |
While Youth wasn’t a massive box office hit, it performed well in European markets, particularly in Italy and France, where Sorrentino has a strong fanbase.
7. Recommendation
Youth is a visually stunning and deeply philosophical film that explores the themes of aging, nostalgia, and artistic legacy. While its slow pace and abstract storytelling may not be for everyone, those who appreciate poetic cinema and masterful performances will find it deeply rewarding.
Recommendation: If you love meaningful, artistic films with deep reflections on life, Youth is a must-watch. However, if you prefer fast-paced, action-heavy movies, this may not be your cup of tea.
Genres:
Action, Drama
Rating:
6/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Thalapathy Vijay | Shiva |
| Shaheen Khan | Sandhya |
| Vivek | Kandhasamy |
| Vijayakumar | Shiva’s uncle |
| Yugendran | Pratap |
| Manivannan | Sandhya’s father |
| Cochin Haneefa | Dhanushkodi |
| Sindhu Menon | Aruna |
| Kalairani | Aruna’s mom |
| Simran | Item number for the song “Aal Thotta Boopathy” |
| Madhan Bob | Interviewer |
| Bosskey | Giri |
| Fathima Babu | Sandhya’s mother |
| Pandu | |
| Muthukalai | |
| Bonda Mani | |
| Natarajan Subramaniam | Customer asking for Rani magazine |
| Mysskin | |
| Diya | |
| Sridhar |
How is Our Review?
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