Looking for Alibrandi

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Movie Info

A teenage girl confronts the crises of growing up -- some typical, some unusual -- in this drama. Josie (Pia Miranda) is the 17-year-old daughter of Christina Alibrandi (Greta Scacchi), a single mother and member of a large extended family of Sicilian immigrants living in Sydney, Australia. While Josie loves her mother, she's grown weary of her strict family, especially her grandmother Nonna Katia (Elena Cotta). The fact that her relatives still have issues with Christina raising her child out of wedlock hasn't made Josie's life any easier. A good student, Josie has earned a scholarship at a top private school, where she has to deal with Carly (Leeanna Walsman), a racist who often taunts Josie for her Sicilian heritage. Josie is also suffering from the tribulations of teenage romance, as she finds herself attracted to both clean-cut John (Matthew Newton) and working class Jacob (Kick Gurry). Meanwhile, the house is abuzz over a visit from Michael (Anthony LaPaglia), who Josie soon learns is Christina's old flame -- and her father. Looking for Alibrandi was based on a novel for young people by Melina Marchetta, which was a major best-seller in Australia. Marchetta also wrote the screenplay for this film adaptation. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating:

NR
Genre:

Art House & International, Drama
Directed By:

Kate Woods
Written By:

Melina Marchetta
In Theaters:

Jan 1, 2001 wide
Runtime:

102 minutes

Cast

Graeme Blundell
as Ron Bishop

Anthony LaPaglia
as Michael Andretti

Ned Manning
as Mr. Coote

Greta Scacchi
as Christina Alibrandi

Kerry Walker
as Sister Louise

Pia Miranda
as Josiephine Alibrandi

Elena Cotta

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Critic Reviews for Looking for Alibrandi

All Critics (3) | DVD (1)

"a remarkably fresh, energetic celebration of youth and culture."

Jul 16, 2001

Mark Freeman
Critical Eye
It may be a little film, but it speaks from the heart.

May 22, 2001 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Andrew Howe
eFilmCritic.com

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Audience Reviews for Looking for Alibrandi

Jul 10, 2007

Great book, decent film

Lucy A Super Reviewer
Jul 08, 2007

Terrific comedy of an Italian-Australian schoolgirl's life with her relationships and fantasties that reminds me from my favourite US TV series' <i>Ally McBeal</i>. Pia Miranda does an excellent performance in this Aussie cult film.

Dean M Super Reviewer