August Vacation

August Vacation

Year: 1996

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Paolo Virzì

DramaComedy

Every August, journalist Sandro, his family and friends travel to the island of Ventotene for their annual holiday. This year they discover the neighboring house is occupied by a lower‑middle‑class family whose blunt habits and conventional values quickly come into conflict with Sandro’s more intellectual, progressive outlook.

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Timeline & Setting – August Vacation (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of August Vacation (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late summer, contemporary period

The movie takes place during a summer vacation, capturing a specific time of year when the island experiences a influx of tourists. This contemporary setting highlights social dynamics and personal relationships amidst the holiday atmosphere, reflecting modern Italian society.

Location

Ventotene

Ventotene is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Italian region of Lazio. Known for its tranquil beaches and archaeological sites, it is a popular destination for summer vacations and provides a picturesque setting for the story's events. Its secluded environment fosters both relaxation and interpersonal conflicts.

🌊 Island 🏝️ Mediterranean 🏖️ Vacation Spot

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Main Characters – August Vacation (1996)

Meet the key characters of August Vacation (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sandro Molino

A journalist and self-proclaimed intellectual, Sandro is cynical yet charismatic. His interactions reveal his introspective nature and desire for deeper connections amidst superficial social encounters. He is central to the story’s exploration of love and morality.

📝 Journalist 💭 Intellectual 💔 Romantic

Cecilia Sarcoli

An elegant woman caught in a complex emotional situation, Cecilia is pragmatic yet sensitive. Her pregnancy with Sandro signifies potential new beginnings, while her past love influences her current decisions and feelings.

🤰 Pregnant 💕 Romantic 🧠 Emotional

Ruggero Mazzalupi

A wealthy armory owner representing old Roman aristocracy, Ruggero is proud, manipulative, and emotionally distant. His interactions with his wife and daughter reveal a desire for control and unfulfilled love.

💼 Wealthy 🧓 Patriarch 🤫 Secretive

Marisa

A provocative woman, Marisa seeks love and validation, ultimately betraying her husband. Her affair with Roberto marks a moment of personal rebellion and emotional awakening.

🌹 Seductive 💔 Cheating 🔥 Passionate

Roberto

An adventurous Latin lover, Roberto claims to have 'official' assignments from exotic places, embodying the allure of global wanderlust. His secret affair with Marisa signifies his restless quest for excitement.

🌍 Explorer 💋 Charismatic 🌴 Exotic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

Major Themes – August Vacation (1996)

Explore the central themes of August Vacation (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌹 Love & Relationships

The film explores complex romantic entanglements, unrequited love, betrayals, and new beginnings. Characters grapple with personal feelings, love triangles, and emotional growth, all set against the backdrop of a fleeting summer that intensifies their experiences.

🔥 Conflict & Resolution

Interpersonal tensions and misunderstandings drive the plot, often escalating into heated confrontations. The story shows how personal and political conflicts intertwine, ultimately leading to moments of reconciliation and self-awareness among the characters.

🎭 Social Class & Identity

The depiction contrasts the old-money Roma elite with more modest characters, highlighting issues of social status, superficiality, and authentic identity. The interactions reveal underlying tensions and aspirations shaped by class distinctions.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:05

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Unlock the Full Story of August Vacation

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August Vacation Summary

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August Vacation Summary

August Vacation Timeline

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August Vacation Timeline

August Vacation Spoiler-Free Summary

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August Vacation Spoiler-Free Summary

More About August Vacation

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More About August Vacation

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