Is The First on the List Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The First on the List, a standout production of 2011, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into It’s June 1st, 1970, and Pisa is the epicenter of the movement Lotta Continua. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "It’s June 1st, 1970, and Pisa is the epicenter of the movement Lotta Continua. There are rumors of an imminent coup d’état, and the most visible exponents fear being arrested before dawn. One of them is Pino Masi, a singer-songwriter who wrote the hit “La ballata del Pinelli.” He invites two high school students, Renzo Lulli and Fabio Gismondi, to flee Italy with him, and the three set off. A series of misunderstandings ensues, starting with an unnerving encounter with soldiers on their way to Rome for the national holiday the next day."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Claudio Santamaria, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Comedy, Drama genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Roan Johnson is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 85 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The First on the List truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The First on the List explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2011 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Roan Johnson respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The First on the List serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Claudio Santamaria or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The First on the List is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.