La meglio gioventù
"The Possibilities Were Endless..."
The Best of Youth - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
L'Italia è un Paese da distruggere: un posto bello e inutile, destinato a morire.
— University Professor
Context:
Spoken to Nicola after his final exam in 1966. The professor advises the brilliant young student to leave Italy, which he sees as being run by 'dinosaurs.' When Nicola asks why the professor himself stays, he replies, "My dear boy, I am one of the dinosaurs to be destroyed!"
Meaning:
Translation: "Italy is a country to be destroyed: a beautiful, useless place, destined to die." This cynical quote encapsulates the disillusionment of an older generation that has witnessed Italy's political stagnation. It presents a direct challenge to the youthful optimism of Nicola and his peers, questioning the very future of the nation.
Senti, ma lo sai che conservo ancora una cartolina che mi hai spedito da Capo Nord nel '66... sotto la traduzione diceva 'tutto quello che esiste è bello' con tre punti esclamativi, ma tu ci credi ancora? [...] Ai punti esclamativi no, non ci credo più.
— Carlo to Nicola, and Nicola's reply
Context:
This conversation takes place in the latter part of the film, when the characters are middle-aged. Carlo nostalgically recalls Nicola's youthful exuberance. Nicola's poignant reply signifies his journey; he still believes in the beauty of existence, but without the unbridled, naive enthusiasm of his past.
Meaning:
Translation: "Listen, do you know I still have a postcard you sent me from the North Cape in '66... under the translation it said 'everything that exists is beautiful' with three exclamation points, but do you still believe that? [...] In the exclamation points no, I don't believe in them anymore." This exchange powerfully illustrates the erosion of youthful, absolute optimism over time, replaced by a more nuanced, mature perspective forged by experience and loss.
Adesso sei felice? Allora è arrivato il momento di essere generosi.
— Nicola Carati
Context:
Nicola says this to his daughter, Sara, late in the film. She has found personal happiness, and he is gently reminding her of the responsibility that comes with it, encouraging her to extend her contentment into kindness and action in the world.
Meaning:
Translation: "Are you happy now? Then it's time to be generous." This line encapsulates Nicola's core philosophy. It suggests that happiness is not a state to be hoarded, but a capacity that, once achieved, should be shared with others. It reflects his compassionate and outward-looking nature.