The Life Ahead

PG-13

2020

1 hr. 35 min.

Drama

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92%

91 Reviews

Tomatometer

77%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

An aging Holocaust survivor forges a bond with a young immigrant from Senegal who recently robbed her.

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Netflix

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Critics Consensus

A classic example of how a talented actor can elevate somewhat standard material, The Life Ahead proves Sophia Loren's star power remains absolutely undimmed.

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Kyle M

Humble stories like this are usually performative showcases in amplifying a screenplay's stirred drama for empathetic understanding in acknowledging difficulties that life tend to harden as one's challenge towards true inner strength. Another effect from this particularity is demonstrating potential connections between two different, diverse, layered backgrounds, eventually bonding with a caring grasp that film gracefully captures whilst under thematic recognition. This third adaptation of its novel is a generational welcoming with a well-framed portrait that backs up the title, best elevated by Loren and Gueye's chemistry as they expressed the discussed prompt exceptionally. (B+)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/16/22

Full Review

Audience Member

The Life Ahead tells the emotional and tear-jerking story of a Holocaust survivor (Sophia Loren) who takes in a young orphan (Ibrahim Gueye) who recently robbed her. The film is fantastic overall. Despite making rarer film appearances as time goes by, Sophia Loren as always puts on a phenomenal performance especially as the fierce yet patient Madame Rosa. The music in the film is fantastic as well especially the original song Io sì (Seen) by Diane Warren & Laura Pausini. The film's costume design had nuanced moments especially with the costumes worn by Sophia Loren because what she wore is what truly symbolized the entire film. The Life Ahead is a film that has wonderful complexity because throughout the film, we see an imaginary lion through the perspective of the young boy as the lion specifically symbolizes strength, courage, patience, and power. That's what The Life Ahead is. A film about strength and courage. Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren) had the strength to take in Momo despite his troublesome attitude. Momo had the strength and courage to find purpose because of Madame Rosa. The Life Ahead is a fantastic and emotional film that not only proves Sophia Loren's acting abilities are still extravagant but the film also tells us the true meaning of strength and patience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

With veiled meanings, stories not entirely explained on purpose, but brought to light with ingenuity, so The Life Ahead manages to establish itself as one of the best films by Edoardo Ponti and the glorious Sophia Loren, son and mother. For anyone who knows Sophia Loren (impossible), they know that she's a guarantee and a pleasure to see on screen; woman with a unique charisma, the representation of a Naples that was, representation of the diva and the humble, woman of the people and of the dreamers, art made woman, cinema made woman, once again manages to enchant in her so simple speeches, but so effective. Ibrahima Gueye, an amazing revelation, who manages, despite his debut, to act as a coachman for a tough film (by theme) to carry on. A motivated, incisive and clear Edoardo Ponti, with a warm and simple direction (not always in-depth and scrupulous), but perfect for representing a story of depth, thus bringing life not only to the story, but giving images to a novel that is already spectacular in itself.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A very touching storyline.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

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andrew m

Superb Bari set drama with a stand out child performance to sit alongside Loren's welcome re-appearance. A subtle tear jerker as the emotional moments are not overplayed and neither are the back stories. Also a perfect length with good character acting in support. What sounds like a corny story is credible and powerful. Also shows it is worth trawling back through 20th century novels (this one by Romain Gary) to find material. Recommended.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Edoardo Ponti is indeed the great film producer's son, and had directed his mother Sophia Loren in a very powerful and believable story of good over evil. This movie is so well acted, so engaging, and one that will be hard to forget. Not to mention the great Sophia Loren at 86. Her performance is epic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

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Edoardo Ponti

Director

Sophia Loren

Madame Rosa

Abril Zamora

Lola

Babak Karimi

Hamil

Renato Carpentieri

Dr. Coen

Ibrahima Gueye

Momo

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The Life Ahead: Trailer 1

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Leah Greenblatt

Entertainment Weekly

Sophia Loren is by far the best reason to see Edoardo Ponti's new Italian-language drama, out now on Netflix. But what a reason it is...

Rated: B

Nov 21, 2020

Full Review

Robbie Collin

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Perhaps The Life Ahead feels devised as a career-closing encore first and foremost. But the unbridled pleasure of seeing a Loren encore is not to be sniffed at.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 18, 2020

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Ian Freer

Empire Magazine

A potentially trite tale of an unlikely relationship is lifted immeasurably by Sophia Loren and is best viewed as a testament to the true power of the movie star.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 16, 2020

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Sayan Ghosh

The Hindu

A testimony to the brilliance of an ageing screen veteran.

Sep 27, 2023

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

It is absolutely moving, especially by Loren, who commands the screen with grace and humanity.

Mar 6, 2023

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Zoë Rose Bryant

Loud and Clear Reviews

The Life Ahead serves as Sophia Loren’s heartfelt and high-spirited homecoming to film, and she is a fervent and fiery force to behold.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 1, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

An aging Holocaust survivor forges a bond with a young immigrant from Senegal who recently robbed her.

Director: Edoardo Ponti
Executive Producer: Geralyn White Dreyfous, Patrizia Massa, David Paradice, Edoardo Ponti
Screenwriter: Ugo Chiti
Production Co: Palomar
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Drug Material Involving Minors|Some Sexual Material|Thematic Content)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Italian
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 13, 2020
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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