Not Every Goodbye Is a Real Ending

MOVIE REVIEW
Girl with a Suitcase (La ragazza con la valigia)
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Genre: Drama, Romance
Year Released: 1961, Radiance Films Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Valerio Zurlini
Writer(s): Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi, Enrico Medioli, Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, Valerio Zurlini
Cast: Claudia Cardinale, Jacques Perrin, Luciana Angiolillo, Riccardo Garrone, Elsa Albani, Corrado Pani, Gian Maria Volonté, Romolo Valli, Enzo Garinei, Renato Baldini, Ciccio Barbi
Where to Watch: Available April 29, 2025. Pre-order your copy here: www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: GIRL WITH A SUITCASE is a gentle but impactful experience that pulls viewers into the complexities of two very different lives—characters trapped in realities neither has the tools nor the permission to escape. The film isn't simply a story of love or heartache; it's about the invisible chains imposed by social expectations and personal insecurities.

Taking place against Italy’s post-war backdrop, the narrative revolves around the unexpected connection between Aida, a dancehall singer on the outskirts of success, and Lorenzo, a teenager caught between privilege and his confusion. Initially tasked with resolving his brother's indiscretions, Lorenzo soon finds himself emotionally invested in a situation he can barely understand, much less control. This premise could've easily been mishandled into overly sentimental melodrama, but director Valerio Zurlini sidesteps clichés by focusing on subtlety and psychological depth.

The character portrayals set this film apart. Claudia Cardinale as Aida presents a remarkably authentic persona—someone toughened by life's disappointments yet still holding a fragile optimism. Her performance is compelling, precisely because it's neither overly polished nor melodramatic. Instead, she portrays someone forced into maturity by necessity, continuously misunderstood and underestimated, yet determined not to be entirely defeated.

Meanwhile, Jacques Perrin provides Lorenzo with a relatable confusion—a teen struggling to navigate adult feelings without fully grasping their implications. His performance transforms from that of an innocent observer into something less admirable, reflecting the pressures and expectations imposed by his background. His gradual shift from naïve kindness to selfish possessiveness is handled with nuance, highlighting how easily good intentions can deteriorate when confronted with unmanageable emotions.

Supporting roles add a crucial dimension without overshadowing the main story. Gian Maria Volontè, Riccardo Garrone, and Romolo Valli each represent different tones of entitlement and patriarchal dominance, subtly critiquing the masculine expectations Aida continually battles. Their interactions highlight how women's experiences are often shaped by men's projections, judgments, and limitations. Zurlini allows Aida agency within these constraints, highlighting her as a nuanced individual rather than merely a victimized stereotype.

One critique that might have further elevated the project would be to give Lorenzo more explicit moments of introspection. While his journey is suggested, deeper insights into his struggle, beyond the external interactions, could have strengthened his character arc. A bit more balance between external action and internal revelation could have further enriched his progression and clarified his emotional trajectory.

The screenplay's refusal to tie up loose ends is a commendable choice, leaving viewers to ponder unresolved tensions and silent regrets. This ambiguity feels authentic, underscoring the narrative's themes about the uncertainty of human relationships. At its core, the film examines the intersection between desire, social class, and personal growth. Lorenzo perceives Aida as a vessel of freedom, failing to realize her entrapment, while Aida sees in him both safety and potential threat. Both are attempting to navigate their realities through each other, unknowingly projecting their needs and insecurities. This mutual misunderstanding serves as the film's most poignant tragedy, revealing the painful gap between idealized affection and actual human connection.

Ultimately, the film shines because it doesn't try too hard to impress; it trusts the strength of its understated narrative and genuine characterizations. It addresses serious issues without resorting to sensationalism, creating a relatable experience grounded in recognizable human flaws. The director’s restraint—both visually and emotionally—feels refreshingly honest rather than restrictive. Its quiet honesty and thoughtful storytelling offer a satisfying viewing experience that lingers emotionally, even if it doesn’t provide all the narrative answers audiences might crave.

Rather than pompous drama, the film opts for reflective sincerity, allowing viewers space to consider their interpretations. That willingness to explore complexity without needing to solve it is what makes the film both challenging and rewarding. Ultimately, it's a genuine exploration of how the smallest human interactions can have lasting impacts, often in ways we least expect.

Bonus Materials:
4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative by the Cineteca di Bologna in collaboration with Camelia and Titanus
Interview with assistant director Piero Schivazappa
Interview with screenwriter Piero De Bernard
Interview with film critic Bruno Torri on Zurlini’s career
Visual essay about the film by Kat Ellinger
Trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Filippo Di Battista
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Giuliana Minghelli

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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