Petrified

A reclusive and eccentric Sicilian princess, who has never left her ancestral home, believes she is a statue. She lives in a state of almost complete catatonia, surrounded by priceless art and guarded by loyal servants. When a young, charming, and opportunistic art critic arrives, he becomes fascinated by her and attempts to bring her back to life, leading to a series of whimsical and romantic encounters.

Petrified received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Benigni's characteristic humor and whimsical storytelling, while others found the plot to be overly whimsical and lacking substance. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating its unique charm and others finding it too bizarre. It was not a major commercial success internationally.

• Praised for its surreal humor and visual style.

• Criticized for a meandering plot and underdeveloped characters.

• Roberto Benigni's performance was a highlight for many.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be quirky and entertaining, appreciating its unique premise and Benigni's comedic performance. However, some viewers expressed that the story could be confusing or lack a clear direction.

The film is Roberto Benigni's first film directed in Italian since "The Monster" (1994), as his previous international successes like "Life Is Beautiful" were filmed with a primarily English-speaking cast and crew.