Passage to Paradise

Martha, an American lady who has lived in Italy for many years without ever learning the language; and Renato, twenty five years younger than Martha, who for all his life has been working odd jobs and has no place to call home. Martha's home is a house in Tuscany she has inherited from her grandfather. There she lived and brought up her children after an early divorce. Martha, who at times suffers from a sudden loss of memory, and her obsession with the large country home, has become a nuisance to her children. They have send their mother to a care center, and are trying to sell the house. We meet Renato when he has just taken on a job for a small detective agency that specializes in divorce cases. He is observing two lovers traveling together through Northern Italy when he meets Martha who has run away from the care center.

Directed by Antonio Baiocco, Passage to Paradise leans on a strong ensemble — Julie Harris, Tchéky Karyo, Mariano Rigillo — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1996.