The Trial Begins (DVD), Ifc Independent Film, Drama

From Vincenzo Marra - the acclaimed writer/director of Sailing Home and the Session is Open - comes his most savage indictment yet of modern Italian society: Newcomer Michele Lastella delivers a breakthrough performance as ambitious young Filippo Costa, who rises through the ranks of the Financial Police via his own opportunity for corruption. But when he connects with a wealthy older widow (the legendary Fanny Ardant of the Woman Next Door and Il Divo), Filippo quickly becomes a part of Rome's social, financial and political elite. In a nation that rewards ruthless ambition, what must one man ultimately sacrifice to build his own empire? Giulia Bevilacqua co-stars in this stunning portrait of today's amoral Italy that critics have compared to Bertolucci's the Conformist.

• TRIAL BEGINS
• Drama
• Ifc Independent Film
• R