La matassa

Two cousins, Gaetano and Paolo, have not spoken in nearly two decades because the feud between their fathers hardened into a stubborn rift. A chance mishap pulls them back into each other’s lives when a seemingly ordinary day spirals into a sequence of comic misadventures. Forced to team up to untangle the mess, they stumble into a world they barely recognize, where local bosses and schemes test their loyalties and wit. What begins as a personal feud widens into a bigger picture of family pride, corruption, and misperceived identities. As old grudges collide with new pressures, the two cousins must improvise their way through a terrain where danger and humor walk hand in hand, with surprising results.

Released in 2009, La matassa is directed by Salvatore Ficarra, Valentino Picone and Giambattista Avellino. The screenplay is credited as an original work by Francesco Bruni and Fabrizio Testini, showcasing the famed duo in a homegrown comedy gem across Italy.

There are no major nominations listed for La matassa, reflecting its status as a solid genre entry rather than a festival critical darling. The film is primarily noted for the performances of Ficarra and Picone and its playful regional humor. It remains a pleasant entry in their filmography.

La matassa sits within a tradition of Italian regional comedies that pair instant chemistry with local flavor. The film highlights Sicilian settings, working class rhythms, and the comic rapport between Gaetano and Paolo, reinforcing the duo's status in mainstream Italian cinema. Audiences especially appreciated the timing and physical comic bits.

Critics and audiences respond to La matassa as a brisk caper built on family ties, loyalty and a tongue in cheek take on crime life. The movie blends farce with situational humor, reflected in a 6.723/10 average from 487 votes. That appeal endures beyond regional lines.