Manual of Love 2 (2007)

"Four stories. One theme: love in all its forms."

Manual of Love 2 (2007) (Manuale d'amore 2 - Capitoli successivi) is an Italian romantic comedy anthology directed by Giovanni Veronesi, starring Carlo Verdone, Monica Bellucci, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Fabio Volo. The film is a sequel to Manual of Love (2005) and explores four interconnected stories, each centered around different aspects of love and relationships.

🔥 Story Overview

📍 Nicola (Riccardo Scamarcio), paralyzed after a car accident, falls in love with his physiotherapist Lucia (Monica Bellucci), leading to an unexpected romance.

📍 Franco (Fabio Volo) and Manuela (Barbora Bobulová) struggle with infertility, traveling to Spain for fertility treatment, only to face complications in their marriage.

📍 Fosco (Sergio Rubini) and Filippo (Antonio Albanese), a same-sex couple, navigate family rejection and societal challenges, fighting for their right to marry.

📍 Ernesto (Carlo Verdone), a middle-aged waiter, falls for Cecilia (Elsa Pataky), a young Argentinian woman, leading to a passionate yet bittersweet affair.

📍 The film blends humor, drama, and romantic dilemmas, offering a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities.

🔥 Why It Stands Out

✅ Monica Bellucci’s Captivating Performance: A standout role in a deeply emotional storyline. ✅ Anthology Format: Four unique love stories, each with different perspectives. ✅ Blend of Comedy & Drama: Balances lighthearted romance with serious relationship struggles.

🔥 Reception & Legacy

📍 Released in Italy on January 19, 2007, grossing $27.8 million worldwide. 📍 Holds a 5.5/10 rating on IMDb, praised for its performances, but critiqued for its predictable storytelling. 📍 Followed by Manual of Love 3 (2011), continuing the romantic anthology series.