A savagely jet-black comedy with a gothic bent. Set in a small Danish town, the film focuses on six characters whose lives have fallen into such despair that their only source of continued happiness is the weekly Italian class they share. The plot sweetens in the latter half without betraying the characters, and without ceasing to be hilarious. Italian for Beginners is fresh and exciting, with a demanding, intelligent script and performances so precise, so fine, that anyone who is interested in the craft of acting should see this film. Others who should see it: any incurable romantic can take a little salt and pepper with that sugar.