Days

This first feature unaffectedly broaches subjects rarely addressed in Italian cinema. Claudio (Trabacchi) is an HIV-positive banker, preparing to move to Milan with his longtime lover. Instead, he becomes embroiled with the vivacious young Andrea (Salerno). Their passionate affair, during which Andrea commits the ultimate self-sacrifice, is offset by grimly lit, monochrome backdrops. It's actually hard to warm to the stuffy, aloof Claudio, but the film evokes the claustrophobia of being in thrall to daily medication, and makes some moving observations while remaining refreshing non-judgmental.