The Eight Mountains (original title Le Otto Montagne) is a tender tale of friendship across decades, offering audiences an intimate yet grand cinematic experience.
Adapted from the 2016 novel by Italian author Paolo Cognetti, the film begins as eleven-year-old Pietro (Luca Marinelli) and his family move to a small village in the Italian Alps for the summer. In this picturesque setting, Pietro befriends Bruno (Alessandro Borghi), a local boy. The two become inseparable and spend an idyllic summer together, but their connection is severed when Bruno is sent away to work on a building site.
Years later, after his father’s death, Pietro returns to the mountains. The two friends reunite and decide to spend the summer rebuilding a run-down mountain shack purchased by Pietro’s father. With each brick laid, the old friendship is rekindled, and the shack eventually becomes their sanctuary for annual summer reunions.
When Bruno gets in a relationship and builds a family, Pietro, discontent with his own life, embarks on a journey to Nepal. While he navigates a series of adventures, not ready to settle down, Bruno remains steadfast in his connection to the mountains.
The film takes a heart-wrenching turn as Bruno unexpectedly dies in an avalanche. In the aftermath, Pietro vows never to return to their shared sanctuary, acknowledging that in life, there are mountains you can never go back to.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian valley of Aosta, The Eight Mountains features stunning landscape photography, rendering it a cinematic spectacle best suited for the big screen. The mountains themselves emerge as characters, both imposing and mesmerizing.
While the film’s pace may be considered slow, it compensates with intense emotional power. The characters, portrayed convincingly, draw audiences into their world, and the musical score enhances the film’s emotional depth.
What kind of film series would The Eight Mountains fit in?
This film could be part of a drama series that explores deep and emotional narratives. Given the stunning Alpine landscape, it could also be part of a series focused on films that showcase breathtaking environments and explore the relationship between characters and their surroundings.
Would this film be suitable for an outdoor screening?
Yes, The Eight Mountains would be well-suited for an outdoor screening. The film’s stunning landscape photography would be enhanced by an outdoor setting.