To Rome with Love

Four stories set against Rome's sunlit streets mix irony, longing and a dash of fantasy. An American architect named John is touring the city when a chance encounter with a young man stirs memories of a painful romance from his past. A retired opera director named Jerry meets a mortician whose singing talent rekindles his creative drive and gives him a new sense of purpose. A young couple drifts through a sequence of intimate detours that test expectations about love and timing. A quiet, ordinary man becomes a focal point for attention in a way that comments on the nature of celebrity. The mood blends whimsy with bittersweet reflection, and the stories operate with a light touch, letting romance bubble in everyday scenes.

Directed by Woody Allen, To Rome with Love was released in 2012 as an ensemble comedy. The film is based on Allen's original screenplay and stars Penelope Cruz, Roberto Benigni, Alec Baldwin, Judy Davis, and other notable performers.

Set among Rome's landmarks, the film keeps Allen's habit of pairing humor with city scenery. Benigni delivers a memorable moment, and the loose episodic format invites affectionate comparisons to classic European comedies. The setting and pace invite a breezy appreciation for Rome's balconies, trattorias and echoes of cinema history. The film’s breezy rhythm and affectionate tone make the mosaic feel inviting rather than overwhelming.

Critics were divided. Some praised the film's warm mood and performances, while others found the structure loose. Across its four stories, the themes of chance, desire, aging, and fame surface in witty exchanges and understated observations about love's unpredictability. The movie feels like a charming postcard from Rome even when it doesn't aim for high drama.

Box office: The film earned a modest worldwide gross and did not become a major chart topper. Publicly reported figures vary and it did not generate significant box office headlines.