White as Milk, Red as Blood (2013) Movie Review: A Teen’s Journey of Love and Self-Discovery
White as Milk, Red as Blood (Bianca come il latte, rossa come il sangue) is a 2013 Italian coming-of-age drama directed by Giacomo Campiotti, based on the best-selling novel by Alessandro D’Avenia. The film tells the story of Leo, a high school student navigating the complex emotions of first love, friendship, and growing up. Blending themes of youthful idealism and harsh reality, the film resonates with teens and adults alike by exploring the emotional depth of adolescence.
This heartfelt film takes audiences through a whirlwind of emotions, from the innocence of love to the pain of loss, all while staying grounded in the perspective of a young boy learning about life’s complexities.
Plot Overview: The Colors of Life and Love
Leo (Filippo Scicchitano) is a 16-year-old high school student who, like many teenagers, is consumed by his emotions and thoughts. He perceives the world through colors: white, symbolizing boredom, fear, and emptiness, and red, representing passion, life, and love. For Leo, life without excitement is unbearable, and nothing excites him more than his crush, Beatrice (Gaia Weiss), whose red hair ignites his romantic imagination. To Leo, Beatrice represents everything vibrant and alive.
However, life takes an unexpected turn when he learns that Beatrice is seriously ill with leukemia. Faced with this devastating news, Leo struggles to reconcile his feelings of love, fear, and helplessness. He seeks guidance from his teacher, known as “The Dreamer” (Luca Argentero), who encourages Leo to embrace his emotions, and from his loyal best friend Silvia (Aurora Ruffino), who harbors unspoken feelings for him.
As Leo tries to make sense of his overwhelming emotions, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about the complexities of love, friendship, and loss.
Characters and Performances
Filippo Scicchitano delivers a nuanced performance as Leo, capturing the emotional turbulence of a teenager on the verge of adulthood. His portrayal of Leo’s intense inner world—his fantasies, fears, and desires—feels authentic and relatable. Scicchitano effortlessly transitions between Leo’s light-hearted moments with friends and the heavier emotional weight of grappling with love and death.
Gaia Weiss, as Beatrice, brings a soft vulnerability to the role of the unattainable love interest. Although her character is largely seen through Leo’s idealized vision, Weiss portrays Beatrice with a quiet strength that elevates her beyond just a symbol of beauty and desire.
Aurora Ruffino shines as Silvia, Leo’s best friend, who provides stability and warmth in his life. Her unspoken love for Leo adds a bittersweet layer to their friendship, and Ruffino’s subtle performance conveys Silvia’s internal struggle with grace and poise.
Luca Argentero plays “The Dreamer,” Leo’s philosophical teacher who acts as a mentor, guiding Leo to think deeply about life and the choices he makes. Argentero’s portrayal adds a layer of wisdom to the film, and his character serves as a counterbalance to Leo’s impulsive, emotional nature.
Themes: Love, Loss, and Coming of Age
At its core, White as Milk, Red as Blood is a coming-of-age story that deals with the universal themes of first love, heartbreak, and the realization that life is not always as simple as it seems. The film explores how Leo’s perception of love evolves—from his infatuation with Beatrice, which is largely based on fantasy, to his deeper understanding of love, pain, and acceptance.
The color symbolism used throughout the film reinforces the emotional landscape of Leo’s life. White, which he associates with fear and emptiness, reflects his initial inability to confront difficult realities, while red, representing love and vitality, symbolizes his longing for something more meaningful. As the film progresses, these colors intertwine, reflecting the merging of joy and sorrow in Leo’s journey.
The film also tackles the subject of mortality in a sensitive and thoughtful way. Beatrice’s illness forces Leo to confront the fragility of life, something he had previously ignored in his youthful idealism. This confrontation with death ultimately pushes him toward a more mature understanding of what it means to love and care for someone.
Cinematography and Direction
Director Giacomo Campiotti creates a visually evocative film that captures the intensity of Leo’s inner world. The use of vibrant colors throughout the film mirrors Leo’s emotional highs and lows, giving the film a dreamlike quality at times, especially during moments when Leo fantasizes about his life with Beatrice.
The cinematography by Fabio Cianchetti complements the film’s themes, with sweeping shots of the Italian landscape and intimate close-ups that capture the characters’ emotional depth. The visual contrast between the bright, colorful scenes and the more somber, muted tones during moments of reflection helps to underscore the duality of life’s joys and pains.
Why White as Milk, Red as Blood Stands Out
What makes White as Milk, Red as Blood stand out from other coming-of-age films is its poetic approach to the subject of growing up. The movie doesn’t shy away from the emotional messiness of adolescence but instead embraces it, presenting Leo’s emotional journey with sincerity and depth. The film portrays love and loss not as clear-cut, but as intertwined experiences that shape who we are.
The performances, particularly from Filippo Scicchitano and Aurora Ruffino, add authenticity to the story, and their chemistry on screen makes the emotional stakes feel real. The film also avoids clichés often found in teen dramas, opting instead for a more introspective narrative that resonates on a deeper level.
The use of symbolism, particularly through color, elevates the film’s narrative, turning what could be a simple teenage love story into a thoughtful meditation on life’s complexities. The film’s exploration of mortality, love, and friendship, paired with its striking visual style, makes it a memorable entry in the coming-of-age genre.
Where to Watch White as Milk, Red as Blood Online
If you’re interested in watching White as Milk, Red as Blood, several streaming platforms and digital services may offer the film, though availability can vary based on your location:
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- Google Play Movies: You can rent or buy the film through Google Play.
- Apple iTunes: The film can also be rented or purchased through iTunes.
- Vudu: Another option for digital rental or purchase.
Due to its popularity in Italy, it may also be available on specialized Italian streaming platforms, so checking local services might provide additional viewing options.
Conclusion: A Poignant and Beautiful Coming-of-Age Tale
White as Milk, Red as Blood is a touching and beautifully crafted film that captures the raw emotions of adolescence. Through Leo’s journey, the film explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with honesty and depth. Its use of color symbolism, strong performances, and poetic storytelling make it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.
Whether you’re a fan of teen dramas or looking for a heartfelt film that delves into the complexities of growing up, White as Milk, Red as Blood is a poignant story that will leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be moved by its emotional depth and captivated by its striking visuals.
