Il Sorpasso

Roberto, a quiet law student in Rome, crosses paths with Bruno, a bold, restless forty-year-old who treats life like one long summer drive. Bruno lures him out of the library and into a carefree road trip that strays from tourist routes into everyday moments. Their tentative friendship becomes a mirror for two very different lives: Roberto seeks stability and measured progress, while Bruno thrives on risk, impulse, and the thrill of the moment. As the landscapes shift from crowded streets to sunlit Tuscan hills, the trip exposes strains in both men’s outlooks and tests the durability of their bond. The film keeps its shocks subtle, avoiding obvious twists while inviting reflection on what freedom really costs.

Directed by Dino Risi and written by Ruggero Maccari with Ettore Scola, Il Sorpasso arrived in theaters in 1962. The film blends sharp comedy with social observation and is celebrated as a landmark of Italian cinema.

Il Sorpasso is remembered for its fearless tonal blend of exuberance and unease, a clash that mirrors the era it depicts. Its encounters with speed, fame, and the city's pulse left a lasting imprint on Italian film and pop culture.

Critics applauded its bold approach, balancing humor with a frank look at desire, class, and the pressure to live up to a modern ideal. The film's brisk energy gives way to meditative moments that explore youth, aging, and national mood.