Genoa is not only the main backdrop for the entire film, but acts as a character in itself, which welcomes the family and guides it on its journey to exorcise the tragedy it has been through.
All of the Ligurian capital, and especially its historical centre, is explored by Joe and his daughters. His friend Barbara often acts as a tour guide, making reference upon reference to the history and socio-cultural characteristics of the city. As soon as the family lands at Genoa Airport, we start seeing views over the city and its natural dynamism. The exterior shots were taken all over the historic city centre, from Via Garibaldi with its Palazzo Rosso, the location of the Governor’s party, to Piazza Cavour and Piazza Matteotti. In particular, lots of scenes see the protagonists cross the narrow and distinctive streets of the oldest part of the city, where the girls often lose their bearings. A lot of scenes were filmed on the beaches near Genoa and in its surrounding area, more specifically the beaches of Moneglia and San Fruttuoso di Camogli. Portofino Park, near Camogli, is one of the tourist destinations of the family, and it is during a visit to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso that Mary escapes and is looked for in the park.
Genoa is not only the main backdrop for the entire film, but acts as a character in itself, which welcomes the family and guides it on its journey to exorcise the tragedy it has been through.
All of the Ligurian capital, and especially its historical centre, is explored by Joe and his daughters. His friend Barbara often acts as a tour guide, making reference upon reference to the history and socio-cultural characteristics of the city. As soon as the family lands at Genoa Airport, we start seeing views over the city and its natural dynamism. The exterior shots were taken all over the historic city centre, from Via Garibaldi with its Palazzo Rosso, the location of the Governor’s party, to Piazza Cavour and Piazza Matteotti. In particular, lots of scenes see the protagonists cross the narrow and distinctive streets of the oldest part of the city, where the girls often lose their bearings. A lot of scenes were filmed on the beaches near Genoa and in its surrounding area, more specifically the beaches of Moneglia and San Fruttuoso di Camogli. Portofino Park, near Camogli, is one of the tourist destinations of the family, and it is during a visit to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso that Mary escapes and is looked for in the park.
The pasta dish that Joe prepares for his daughters is pasta with pesto. “Genovese pesto” is one of the most famous gastronomic products of Liguria. Its name is derived from the main action used to make it, crushing (pestare in Italian) the ingredients together in a marble mortar.
After his wife dies in a tragic accident, Joe decides to move to Genoa with his daughters Mary and Kelly. While Mary feels guilty for the death of her mother and often sees her standing by her side, Kelly tries to distract herself and adapt to her new life. Genoa, with its narrow streets, is a chance for the whole family to overcome their problems and start over.
