Two Days Of Summer

For those of you who didn't know, I've spent the first half of my summer doing the summer school thing over at UNC. Today I wrapped up the first session with two grueling finals, so I get the pleasure of two off days until I return to the fire Thursday through July 27. What really shocked me was how much I really enjoyed summer school. I think only having to worry about two classes made it so nice along with the fact that everything seems so much more relaxed. Only having class three days a week didn't hurt either.

The class I enjoyed the most was definitely ITAL 333: Italian Film & Culture (no chance Business Law could be my favorite after the final just took me all 3 hours). We watched an Italian film everyday and then closed class discussing the symbols and themes the director put into the movie. I have to admit, I saw some great movies that I definitely wouldn't have ever seen had it not been for this class. Below is a list of some movies you should seriously consider renting or adding to your queue on Netflix.

1. Life Is Beautiful. A lot of you may have seen this already, but if you haven't, it's a must-see.
2. Cinema Paradiso. Another funny one about a kid, Toto, and his love for the movies (see right).
3. Bicycle Thief. A bit darker and a sadder story, but still one that will move you.
4. Rome Open City. A movie about Italy and WW2. One of the first neorealist movies.
5. Fistful of Dollars. Did you know Italians were fascinated with American westerns? They called them 'Spaghetti Westerns'. This one features Clint Eastwood in one of his earliest roles.

And just because I like saying the name because of the rolling r-sound in Italian (as my family has noticed), you should also check out La Terra Trema, one I have yet to see. If you happen to catch any of these films, let me know, I'd love to talk about one.