Fausto Brizzi
Notte Prima Degli Esami

Rome 1989. A group of friends has to face their high school graduation exam (still called that at the time) and among them is Luca, a naive boy who falls in love with Claudia, the daughter of his professor. After seeing her just once, Luca tries to meet Claudia again and relies on the help of his best friends; Max "the joker" and Alice, the girl next door.

Thus, director Fausto Brizzi develops the intense period between the end of school and the exams, skillfully blending the protagonist's romantic escapades, the difficult generational relationship showcased in the confrontation between a '68er professor and today's youth, all while keeping the strong bond of friendship within the group, which will prove to be essential even at the film's conclusion.

A significant element of the film is its temporal setting, as it's set back about twenty years (a generation), a choice that enriches the film with the sentiments of reminiscing about an era now past. (the "new-quel" set in contemporary days had not been decided). The music choice is also spot-on, inevitably featuring Venditti’s title song, but also the "Wild Boys" by Duran-Duran, and "The Final Countdown" by Europe, catering to this 80s revival.

The 15 million euros in revenue are a deserved reward for a well-made film, released almost quietly and with very little publicity, but one that told with simplicity and passion an intense moment of life, reminding us that the nights before exams never end.