, Servillo barely speaks, with whatever emotions stirring in his mind left to the actor’s remarkable Walter Matthau-ish face to tell. His taciturn demeanour means that when the transformation occurs it’s all the more wondrous – if not a little disturbing to watch the craggy features break into a lover’s smile. Incerti makes the change all the more astonishing with Gorbaciof’s wooing not being that of an awkward middle-aged Romeo, but a magical blend of fifties musicals and Cyrano de Bergerac.

Anyone who’s watched the films of John Cassavettes or the French New Wave which influenced them knows the inevitable arc this film must follow, yet Incerti still manages to make this unlikely May-September, cross-cultural romance work. Most of that is down to both Servillo – undoubtedly Italy’s best character actor, and the charming Yang who give truthful and heartrending performances.

A little patience is required from the audience as, although only a runtime of 85 mins, Gorbaciof is in no hurry to unfurl its story. But perseverance is rewarded with achingly beautiful, bittersweet performances from the leads and a glimpse beneath the marble, gelattos and trattoria tables into a rarely seen and not so Bella Italia.

Reviewed as part of the Italian Film Festival 2012 @ Filmhouse.