Memorable quotes can make a conversation much more fun. All Italians should know these ones.
When it comes to the world of cinema, Italian culture dominates in influence. The most memorable movie quotes in cinema history were derived from films about Italian culture.
Without even realizing it, these movie phrases made their way into our everyday lives. No matter your relationship with cinema history, the odds are that your family knows at least one, if not all the quotes from these iconic films.
“Leave the gun, take the Cannoli” – The Godfather, 1972
The Godfather is one of the most quotable movies in cinema history. However, when it comes to Italian families, The Godfather is more than just memorable film. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece encompasses every Italian tradition you could think of.
Spoken by Richard Castellano who played, Peter Clemenza, this quote combines two of the most important Italian traditions, family and food. In this scene, Paulie Gatto, the Corleone family’s traditor, is brought to justice. Vengeance did not completely consume Clemenza, as he could not forgetting the precious Italian Cannoli requested by his wife.
“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent” – A Bronx Tale, 1993
Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale, is the hallmark of modern Italian American cinema. This film was loosely based off his experiences as a child, where he learns the difference between earning a living on the street and making an honest living.
In this scene, Lorenzo, portrayed by Robert De Niro, teaches his son the value of his natural born talent, reminding his son to apply them in any way he can. This quote, which serves as a reoccurring theme throughout the film, has been used by Italian families to stress the importance of hard work in your craft.
“I looked the wrong way, and I lost my hand. He could make you look the wrong way, and you could lose your whole head!” – Moonstruck, 1987
Ronny Cammareri, portrayed by Nicholas Cage, is a lonesome Italian American man who blames his brother for the loss of his hand, which causes his fiancé to leave him. Cammareri is convinced that his accident was not bad luck but caused by the mere presence of his brother who has a negative energy.
Since that fateful moment, Cammareri was fearful of living life the way he should, choosing to lurk in the shadows instead seeking a true emotional connection. In this scene, he warns his new love interest of the danger he feels that his brother poses.
“What Is A 'Yute'?” – My Cousin Vinny, 1992
Fred Gwynne, who plays Judge Chamberlain in one of the most memorable Italian comedies, My Cousin Vinny, questions Vincent Gambini’s unusual pronunciation of the word “youths.”
Gambini, who is portrayed by Joe Pesci, is a prototypical New Yorker with little legal experience and a minimal vocabulary. This scene marked the contrast between a classic Italian American from New York as opposed to a traditionally southern American.
“Buongiorno Principessa” – Life is Beautiful, 1997
Life is Beautiful is the only film on this list that is Italian, not American. Roberto Bengini received international fame for his holocaust drama-comedy.
In this film, Benigni, plays an Italian Jew, Guido Orefice, who is taken to a concentration camp with his son after the German occupation of Northern Italy.
Throughout the film, Orefice refers to his love interest as “Principessa.” When greeting her, he would scream, “Buongiorno Principessa” or “Good Morning Princess.” Even in the darkest points of the film, Orefice remains lighthearted and repeats this greeting to bring hope into the hearts of his wife and child.
Anthony Sciarratta
Anthony Sciarratta was born in Maspeth, New York, to Italian American parents. His debut novel, Finding Forever: A 1970s Love Story, was originally self-published before reaching major-market publication with Post Hill Press. Anthony received exposure for his work using a series of grassroots social media campaigns. Currently, Anthony produces viral social media content for small businesses across New York City. He also hosts a podcast titled, Breaking Bread, where he features notable members of the Italian American community.