The War of the Nonni
A heartwarming generational comedy where mischievous grandparents clash, connive, and compete in a suburban standoff. When two families collide through marriage plans and clashing traditions, the “nonnis” dig in, armed with stubborn pride, secret alliances, and decades of accumulated family wisdom (and nonsense). Chaos ensues, but so does tenderness, as rivalry slowly bends toward unity and affection.
DIRECTOR
Gianluca Ansanelli
Actors
1h 30m • Rated TBC • Comedy • Italy (2023)
Vincenzo Salemme • Max Tortora • Bianca Guaccero • Francesco Di Leva
Grandpa Tom (Max Tortora) is everything Gerri is not: permissive, charismatic, funny, and indulgent, but also irresponsible. As often happens with men’s egos, they soon resort to competing, escalating into a heated clash. Their hilarious attempt to win over the children’s attention, affection and favour and prove their ‘superiority in grand fatherliness’ are comic fuel to the fire. Shot in the leafy neighbourhoods around Rome, The War of the Nonni possesses observations that will genuinely relate to all ages. Paolo Rotondo
CRITICS ROUNDUP
Warm, playful, and proudly sentimental
The culture clash between families thrust together by marriage is often mined for comedic potential, but films rarely have so much fun with the grandparent’s perspective. It is the story of Gerri (Vincenzo Salemme), the hugely caring, attentive, thoughtful, but doting grandfather who would do anything for his grandchildren… even if he is a bit stuffy and old-fashioned. When circumstance brings ‘the other’ grandfather to live with them and share the care of ‘his’ grandchildren, he is thrown into a tailspin.