Romance, laughs, quirky characters, passion, and classical music

In The Best of Youth (La meglio gioventu) (Italy, 2002, Miramax Marco) Tullio Giordana explores the different seasons of life of characters that develop on parallel paths, as their individual and personal lives become strictly intertwined with the political events of their country. It’s six hours long, but it’ll keep your eyes glued to the screen.

Looking for romance, laughs, quirky characters, passion, and classical music all concentrated in 30-minute episodes? Then try Mozart in the Jungle (USA, 2014, Amazon), about the New York Symphony’s new flamboyant and eccentric maestro who’ll bring color and spice to the stiffness of the orchestra. Produced by Jason Schwartzman and with Gael Garcia Bernal as Rodrigo and Lola Kirke as young oboist Hailey. I assure you’ll finish the first season in a day. Perfect timing, since season two is coming out in December, and while waiting you can listen to the show’s wonderful music on Spotify.

• Diana Agostini
• San Diego Italian Film Festival associate executive director