Starting again does not have to mean starting from nothing. That simple idea gives Ricomincio da tre its title and much of its charm.
Released in 1981, Massimo Troisi’s first feature as director follows a young man who leaves the Naples area for Florence. Troisi also plays the lead and co-wrote the screenplay with Anna Pavignano. Known in English as I’m Starting from Three, the film combines romance, awkward encounters, and a gentle resistance to other people’s expectations.
For me, its appeal lies in the space Troisi gives to hesitation. A pause, an unfinished sentence, or a doubtful expression can reveal more than a confident speech. Among the films in Italia Mia’s Italian Movies collection, this comedy offers a particularly warm introduction to his work.
The Story
Spoiler notice: this section introduces the story and central relationship without revealing the ending.
Gaetano feels ready for a change. Life at home has become predictable, and he wants to meet different people. However, leaving does not mean rejecting everything he already has.
The title expresses that distinction. Why begin again from zero when some things in life are worth keeping? Gaetano wants room to grow without erasing his past.
His journey takes him to Florence, where he stays with his aunt. Along the way, unexpected encounters test his patience and challenge his assumptions. Even a lift on the motorway becomes far more complicated than he anticipated.
In Florence, Gaetano meets Marta, a nurse played by Fiorenza Marchegiani. Their attraction develops into a relationship, but affection does not remove his uncertainty. Marta speaks openly about her choices, while Gaetano often struggles to explain what he feels.
Meanwhile, his friend Lello arrives and brings familiar habits into this new setting. Gaetano may have changed cities, but his old life remains close.
Rather than building toward a succession of dramatic twists, the film finds humor in conversation. Family expectations, religious beliefs, friendship, and jealousy all enter the discussion. Beneath the jokes lies a recognizable question: how can someone change while remaining connected to home?
Cast and Characters
Massimo Troisi as Gaetano
Troisi makes Gaetano engaging through small gestures and uncertain replies. His character wants independence, yet he rarely knows how to claim it. As a result, ordinary conversations become delicate negotiations.
Fiorenza Marchegiani as Marta
Marta gives the romance its energy. She expresses her wishes and expects Gaetano to engage with them. Their different approaches to intimacy create both affection and friction.
Lello Arena as Lello, also credited as Raffaele
Arena provides a lively contrast to Troisi’s quieter delivery. His presence reconnects Gaetano with home and gives the film some of its funniest exchanges.
Marina Pagano as Gaetano’s aunt
Gaetano’s aunt provides his base in Florence. Her household also introduces him to a world that has its own complications.
Lino Troisi and Deddi Savagnone as Gaetano’s parents
The parents help establish the family environment he leaves behind. Their expectations remain part of his thinking after he departs.
Renato Scarpa as Robertino and Vincent Gentile as Franky
These supporting performances contribute to the film’s memorable encounters. Together, the cast gives Gaetano plenty of opportunities to question what others regard as normal.
Awards and Recognition
Ricomincio da tre won two David di Donatello awards in 1981: Best Film and Best Actor for Massimo Troisi. These honors established his debut as a major arrival in Italian cinema.
The film also received four Nastri d’Argento awards:
• Best New Director — Massimo Troisi
• Best Original Story — Massimo Troisi
• Best New Actor — Massimo Troisi
• Best Producer — Fulvio Lucisano and Mauro Berardi
The official Nastri archive makes an important distinction. Troisi won the award for a debut performance, while that year’s Best Actor award went to Vittorio Mezzogiorno for Tre fratelli.
Audiences responded enthusiastically as well. Its commercial success showed that Troisi’s conversational style could carry a feature film. The humor remained rooted in his voice while reaching viewers beyond his established following.
How the Film Was Made
Troisi developed the screenplay with Anna Pavignano. Producers Fulvio Lucisano and Mauro Berardi supported the film, whose production credits include Factory Cinematografica, Italian International Film, and RAI. Sergio D’Offizi handled cinematography, and Antonio Siciliano edited it.
Pino Daniele composed the music. His contribution began a significant creative connection with Troisi. The soundtrack brings another Neapolitan voice into a story about leaving familiar surroundings.
Florence supplies recognizable locations without overwhelming the characters. The city’s official tourism site identifies Ponte Santa Trinita, the San Niccolò area, and Costa de’ Magnoli among the places seen in the film.
One encounter takes place near the corner of Via de’ Pecori and Piazza San Giovanni. Gaetano tries to make a meeting with Marta appear accidental. The setting becomes part of the joke because his carefully arranged spontaneity is so easy to recognize.
Much of the film’s craft lies in its rhythm. Troisi allows conversations to wander, stall, and begin again. Consequently, the comedy can feel casual even when the timing is precise.
Why It Still Matters
Ricomincio da tre understands that wanting change and knowing how to change are different things. Gaetano has enough courage to leave home, but confidence does not arrive with him in Florence.
That gap still feels familiar. Moving to another city, beginning a relationship, or questioning family expectations rarely produces an entirely new person overnight. Old habits travel with us.
Troisi’s use of Neapolitan speech also gives the film its character. The sound, pace, and interruptions matter alongside the words. For viewers learning Italian, the dialogue offers a reminder that everyday communication extends well beyond textbook sentences.
Moreover, the romance makes room for Marta’s perspective. Gaetano’s discomfort does not automatically settle an argument in his favor. Their relationship asks him to listen as well as react.
Some supporting situations reflect the attitudes and comic conventions of 1981. Contemporary viewers may respond differently to jokes involving gender roles or personal vulnerability. Nevertheless, the central performance invites us to recognize uncertainty without treating it as a failure.
What stays with me is the kindness of the title’s idea. We can make a fresh start while keeping the experiences and relationships that have already given life meaning.
Where to Watch or Buy
Availability checked on October 1, 2026, for the United States and Italy. Catalogs and offers can change. Confirm the audio, subtitles, and viewing terms before paying.
Subscription streaming in Italy
Current Italian listings include Disney+, TIMVISION, and Novecento – The Movies through Amazon Channels. Disney+ also has a direct Ricomincio da tre film page.
Novecento requires a separate channel subscription. Its inclusion on Amazon does not mean the film comes with a standard Prime membership. Check the Italian availability guide for current offers.
Digital rental and purchase in the United States
The current U.S. listing shows Amazon Video rental and digital purchase options under I’m Starting from Three. These are individual paid transactions. The listing does not currently show an included subscription stream.
Consult the U.S. availability guide, then confirm the subtitle language on Amazon’s checkout page.
Digital rental and purchase in Italy
Italian listings currently show rental and purchase through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Rakuten TV. These offers are separate from subscription access. Compare them through the Italian viewing guide.
Physical editions
DVD editions exist, including restored releases. Mondadori’s documented DVD edition lists Italian audio and Italian, English, and Neapolitan subtitles. Those specifications apply to that edition; other releases may differ.
You can browse Ricomincio da tre DVDs on Amazon.com or Ricomincio da tre DVDs on Amazon.it.
These links open shopping searches. Check each seller’s stock, subtitle information, and disc region before ordering, especially when importing an Italian edition.
Using Italian services while abroad
If you use Italian television services while traveling, you can consider NordVPN plans and offers. A VPN does not replace a subscription or guarantee access to this film. Each platform’s territorial restrictions and terms still apply.
For more background, read Italia Mia’s guide to VPNs and Italian television.
Affiliate disclosure: Italia Mia may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the Amazon and NordVPN links above, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
External Sources
Archivio del Cinema Italiano: cast, credits, and synopsis
Nastri d’Argento: official 1981 winners
FeelFlorence: filming locations and David di Donatello awards
Rai News: the restored film and Pino Daniele’s music
Mondadori: DVD edition and subtitle specifications
JustWatch: United States availability
JustWatch: Italian availability
