With the intense but evanescent nostalgia reserved for a dying man recalling the richest of lives, the famous actor, at this point in failing health, reviews his long, eventful career in Italian cinema with characteristic grace, humility and humor. Though the film's running time goes slightly over three hours, Mastroianni's still potent charm, and the sheer enjoyment he takes in reminiscing over his life, combine to make it seem roughly half that long.

The actor's unaffected warmth and love of his craft shine through his pungent anecdotes, shattering the vain, romantic hero stereotype he so loathed. For an endearing portrait of a consummate screen actor, look no further. Fans of Italian cinema — and anyone remotely interested in the history of film — should adore this worthy tribute. Here is one star who really had class!