What a Beautiful Day (2011) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Released in 2011, What a Beautiful Day (Che bella giornata) is an Italian comedy directed by Gennaro Nunziante and starring Checco Zalone, a famous Italian comedian. This film became a cultural phenomenon in Italy, breaking box office records and establishing Zalone as a household name. Known for its humorous take on Italian society and its light-hearted satire, What a Beautiful Day strikes a balance between slapstick comedy and social commentary. In this review, we’ll delve into the plot, the standout elements of the movie, and where you can watch What a Beautiful Day online.
Plot Overview
Checco Zalone plays an ambitious yet clueless security guard named Checco who dreams of serving his country as part of Italy’s law enforcement. However, his ineptitude and constant blunders prevent him from achieving this goal. Instead, he finds himself working as a security officer at the Milan Cathedral, one of Italy’s most famous landmarks.
His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Farah (Nabirha Akkari), a woman of Middle Eastern descent who is secretly planning an attack on the cathedral. She befriends Checco, hoping to use his naivety to gain access to the building. As Farah grows closer to him, she starts to question her own plans, and Checco’s genuine kindness and oblivious nature unintentionally lead to a series of comical misunderstandings.
The film masterfully uses Checco’s innocence and ignorance as a way to explore cultural tensions and stereotypes in Italy, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone that keeps audiences entertained.
Why What a Beautiful Day is a Must-Watch
Here are some reasons why What a Beautiful Day became a runaway hit and why it’s still worth watching today:
- Checco Zalone’s Unique Comedy Style: Zalone’s humor is a blend of self-deprecation, satire, and witty social commentary. His portrayal of the bumbling, well-meaning Checco resonates with audiences because of its relatability. His character reflects the everyday man, full of flaws but with a good heart.
- Clever Social Satire: While the film is primarily a comedy, it also touches on sensitive topics like immigration, cultural clashes, and terrorism with a delicate balance of humor and humanity. It addresses these issues without losing its comedic edge, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Strong Supporting Cast: The film’s cast, including Nabirha Akkari as Farah, adds depth to the story. Farah’s character development throughout the film is engaging as she moves from a calculated operative to someone grappling with her own identity and moral dilemmas.
- Universal Themes: Although the film is deeply rooted in Italian culture, the themes of misunderstanding, prejudice, and kindness are universal, making it accessible to a broader audience outside Italy.
- Cultural Relevance: The movie addresses contemporary issues that were relevant at the time of its release and still resonate today. It uses comedy to soften the edges of complex topics, making them approachable for wider audiences.
Where to Watch What a Beautiful Day Online
For viewers in America and beyond, What a Beautiful Day is available on several streaming platforms, making it easy to enjoy this Italian hit from the comfort of your home.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers What a Beautiful Day for rental or purchase. It’s one of the most reliable platforms for accessing international films in high-definition.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
For Apple users, What a Beautiful Day is available on Apple TV (iTunes) for rental or purchase. The movie is available in HD quality, and you can watch it on any Apple device or compatible smart TV.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV is another option for those who prefer watching on Android devices or through web browsers. You can either rent or purchase the movie at competitive prices.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
4. Vudu
Vudu offers What a Beautiful Day for both rental and purchase. This platform is known for its high-definition streaming quality and wide device compatibility, making it a good choice for movie fans.
- Rental Price: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $9.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
5. Rakuten TV (International)
For international viewers, Rakuten TV occasionally offers What a Beautiful Day for rental or purchase. This platform is widely available across Europe and other regions, providing access to a large library of films.
- Rental Price: Varies by region
- Purchase Price: Varies by region
- Availability: Rental and Purchase (select regions)
Themes Explored in What a Beautiful Day
Despite being a comedy, What a Beautiful Day delves into important societal themes:
- Cultural Integration and Prejudice: The film playfully critiques the way Italians perceive outsiders, particularly immigrants and people from the Middle East. Through Checco’s naive and non-confrontational interactions with Farah, the movie emphasizes the importance of seeing people as individuals rather than stereotypes.
- The Innocence of Kindness: Checco’s character is a testament to the power of kindness, even when paired with ignorance. His heart is in the right place, and although he bumbles through life, his genuine goodwill has a positive impact on those around him.
- Clash of Worlds: Farah’s character represents a different cultural world that initially clashes with Checco’s Italian lifestyle. However, as the two characters interact, their differences become less important, illustrating the universal human experience that transcends cultural barriers.
- Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The film uses humor to navigate complex and sometimes uncomfortable topics. By allowing audiences to laugh at cultural misunderstandings, it opens the door for dialogue about real-world issues in a non-threatening way.
Is What a Beautiful Day on Netflix or Disney+?
At the time of writing, What a Beautiful Day is not available on Netflix or Disney+ in the United States. However, due to the rotating nature of streaming platforms, it’s always worth checking back in the future to see if it becomes available.
Conclusion
What a Beautiful Day (Che bella giornata) is more than just a slapstick comedy—it’s a cleverly written film that uses humor to address cultural and social issues with a light touch. Checco Zalone’s performance is both hilarious and endearing, making him a standout in the world of Italian cinema. The film’s blend of satire and heart ensures it’s an enjoyable watch for anyone seeking a movie that can make them laugh while also thinking about the world around them.
With multiple options to rent or purchase online, finding a platform to watch What a Beautiful Day is easy, ensuring you won’t miss out on this Italian comedy gem.
