Rome, 1961. It is the day before a total eclipse of the sun. But while they're all looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime event, the residents of an apartment building have plenty of other things to be concerned about. Death, marriage, sex, betrayal, business, commitment, love, all are in the air for everyone but the local children, who watch their elders with amusement and a dawning comprehension of what the future holds for them. Though it runs a scant 83 minutes, Mille Bolle Blu brings a large group of people to vivid and joyous life. Director Leone Pompucci works with admirable economy, aided by fluid cinematography that glides among his characters, spending just enough time with each to get to the heart of his or her situation. For his first film, he has created a perfect little gem.