Two brothers find themselves on opposing sides of the political spectrum in Daniele Luchetti's deft, funny examination of Italy's recent past. The film is set in Mussolini's purpose-built town of Latina in the 1960s and 70s, with troublesome younger brother Accio (Elio Germano) returning home after being expelled from his seminary. He becomes involved with a local fascist group - only to learn the hard way that his party is not what it seems. Meanwhile, his older brother and family favourite Manrico (Riccardo Scamarcio) is a committed left-wing activist. The domestic and political conflicts that follow could have made for heavy-handed drama, but Luchetti's breezy direction and some beautifully balanced performances make us understand and care about these characters - even if we don't like them. The soundtrack's use of nifty Italian pop songs of the period combines with costumes, location and set design to create a knowing and surprisingly entertaining look at a troubled era in the country's history.

Accio and Manrico are siblings from a working-class family in 1960s Italy: older Manrico is handsome, charismatic, and loved by all, while younger Accio is sulky, hot-headed, and treats life as a battleground — much to his parents' chagrin. After the former is drawn into left-wing politics, Accio joins the fascists out of spite, but his flimsy beliefs are put to test when he falls for Manrico's like-minded girlfriend.