Manual of Love 2 (2007)
**Movie Review: *Manual of Love 2 (2007)* – A Mixed Bag of Romance and Comedy**
*Manual of Love 2 (Capitoli successivi)*, directed by Giovanni Veronesi, is the 2007 sequel to the successful Italian romantic comedy *Manual of Love*. This Italian film continues the anthology format, weaving together four distinct stories that explore the complexities of love, relationships, and human connection. Starring a talented ensemble cast including Monica Bellucci, Carlo Verdone, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Fabio Volo, the movie aims to capture the highs and lows of romance with a blend of humor and drama. But does it live up to its predecessor, or does it fall short? Let’s dive into the review.
### The Premise
The film is divided into four episodes, each tackling a different facet of love:
1. **Nicola and Lucia**: Nicola (Riccardo Scamarcio), paralyzed after a car accident, develops feelings for his physiotherapist, Lucia (Monica Bellucci). Their evolving bond is heartfelt but predictable.
2. **Franco and Manuela**: A young couple (Fabio Volo and Barbora Bobulova) faces fertility challenges and travels to Barcelona for treatment, highlighting the emotional toll of their journey.
3. **Filippo and Fosco**: Two gay men (Antonio Albanese and Sergio Rubini) navigate societal and familial pressures as they plan to marry in Spain, offering a mix of humor and poignant commentary.
4. **Ernesto and Cecilia**: Ernesto (Carlo Verdone), a seasoned waiter, embarks on a passionate affair with Cecilia, a young Argentinian dishwasher, only to confront the limits of their age gap.
Each story is loosely connected, creating a tapestry of love’s many forms—romantic, forbidden, aspirational, and transformative.
### What Works
*Manual of Love 2* shines in its ability to balance lighthearted comedy with moments of genuine emotion. The ensemble cast is a highlight, with each actor bringing depth to their role. Carlo Verdone, in particular, steals the show as Ernesto, delivering a performance that’s both comedic and deeply human. His episode, filled with witty dialogue and relatable midlife musings, is the strongest of the four, earning praise from fans for its authenticity.[](https://letterboxd.com/film/manual-of-love-2/)
The film’s exploration of diverse relationships is another strength. By including a same-sex couple in Filippo and Fosco’s story, *Manual of Love 2* takes a progressive step for its time, addressing homophobia and societal acceptance with sensitivity, though not without some clichés. The cinematography, especially in the Barcelona scenes, adds a vibrant backdrop that enhances the romantic tone.
Monica Bellucci’s presence as Lucia is undeniably captivating, and her chemistry with Scamarcio adds a sensual layer to their segment. The soundtrack, featuring songs like Elisa’s “Eppure Sentire (Un Senso Di Te),” complements the emotional beats, making key moments more memorable.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0847745/)
### What Falls Short
Despite its strengths, *Manual of Love 2* struggles to maintain consistency across its episodes. The anthology format, while ambitious, results in uneven storytelling. Nicola and Lucia’s romance, though visually appealing, feels formulaic and lacks the emotional depth needed to resonate fully. Similarly, Franco and Manuela’s fertility struggles, while poignant, are resolved too neatly, undermining the gravity of their situation.
The pacing is another issue. At 2 hours and 5 minutes, the film drags in parts, particularly in the second act, where some scenes feel repetitive. The humor, while effective in Verdone’s segment, occasionally leans on stereotypes, especially in the gay couple’s storyline, which may feel dated to modern audiences.[](https://www.playpilot.com/in/movie/manuale-d-amore-2-capitol-2007/)
Compared to the first *Manual of Love*, which was praised for its tight narrative and fresh take on love’s stages, the sequel feels less cohesive. The interconnectedness of the stories is minimal, making the film feel more like a collection of shorts than a unified whole. Additionally, with an IMDb rating of 5.5/10, it’s clear that audiences found it underwhelming compared to the original’s 6.3/10.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417944/reviews/)[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0847745/)[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417944/)
### Themes and Takeaways
*Manual of Love 2* explores universal themes: the pursuit of love against odds, the sacrifices made for connection, and the courage to defy societal norms. It’s a film that celebrates love’s messiness, even if it doesn’t always dig deep enough. The inclusion of contemporary issues like fertility laws and same-sex marriage adds relevance, though some resolutions feel overly simplistic.
### Final Verdict
*Manual of Love 2* is a decent follow-up that offers moments of charm and laughter but doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessor. Carlo Verdone’s episode is a standout, and the cast’s performances elevate the material, but uneven pacing and predictable plots hold it back. It’s a film best enjoyed for its lighthearted take on romance and its glimpses of Italian flair, but don’t expect a profound cinematic experience.
**Rating: 6/10**
If you’re a fan of Italian cinema or romantic comedies with a touch of drama, *Manual of Love 2* is worth a watch for its cast and heartfelt moments. Just temper your expectations and savor the highlights.
*Where to Watch*: Currently, *Manual of Love 2* is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon in many regions, but you can check sites like Justdial or Reelgood for rental or purchase options.[](https://reelgood.com/movie/manual-of-love-2-2007)[](https://www.justdial.com/streaming/watch-movies-online/Manual-of-Love-2/1531784653304)
What are your thoughts on anthology films like *Manual of Love 2*? Share your favorite romantic comedy in the comments below!
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*Note*: This review is based on the film’s content, cast performances, and available critiques from sources like IMDb and Letterboxd. If you’re curious about specific scenes or want a deeper analysis of a particular episode, let me know[](https://letterboxd.com/film/manual-of-love-2/)
