Madly in Love (2010) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in Rome, Italy, with the story also involving the small European principality of Saint Tulipe. Rome serves as the main backdrop, with scenes set at locations like the Roman Forum and various public spaces throughout the city.

• rome
• setting
• saint tulipe
• location
• italy

The story is set in contemporary, modern times. It unfolds against the backdrop of current political affairs, media coverage, and financial concerns, including a present-day financial crisis affecting the fictional kingdom of Saint Tulipe.

• time period
• modern era
• contemporary
• year 2010

Cristina is the Princess of Saint Tulipe, a small kingdom ruled by a royal family. She is portrayed as bored and rebellious, dissatisfied with her royal life and seeking genuine human connection beyond the confines of her royal duties.

• cristina
• princess
• saint tulipe
• royal
• main character

Barnaba Cecchini is an ATAC bus driver in Rome who becomes romantically involved with Cristina. He is characterized as charming, warm, and audacious, willing to challenge social barriers to pursue his feelings for the princess.

• barnaba
• bus driver
• rome
• love interest
• main character

The movie explores three primary themes: Romance between characters from different social classes; Wealth and Power involving financial crisis and class divisions; and Identity and Duty, focusing on the conflict between royal obligations and personal desires.

• themes
• romance
• identity
• duty
• wealth
• class

Saint Tulipe is a fictional small European principality or kingdom that Cristina rules as princess. The country's representatives travel to Rome to seek a loan during a financial crisis, adding political stakes to the romantic storyline.

• saint tulipe
• kingdom
• principality
• fictional country

Cristina struggles with the tension between her royal duties and her desire for an ordinary life. She hides her royal identity while exploring Rome to experience freedom and authentic connection, living a double life between princess and commoner.

• cristina
• identity
• royal duty
• double life
• freedom

Barnaba must prove himself worthy of a princess despite the significant class divide between a royal and a common bus driver. His schemes to demonstrate his worth reveal both his courage and romantic idealism in overcoming social barriers.

• barnaba
• class divide
• social barriers
• worthiness
• romance

Money and politics are central to the plot, with Saint Tulipe facing a national debt crisis. The storyline involves a royal delegation seeking a loan in Rome, while Barnaba's efforts to prove himself are tied to public donations and class expectations.

• money
• financial crisis
• debt
• loan
• politics
• wealth

The film has a consistently hopeful tone despite obstacles involving royal duty and economic necessity. The narrative moves toward a happy ending, with love conquering societal boundaries through sincerity and public support, with a light emotional weight throughout.

• tone
• ending
• hopeful
• happy ending
• romantic comedy