Diamonds: Ferzan Özpetek’s film (within a film) tells a story set in a costume designer atelier, owned by two sisters, as they accept a large and prestigious order for an upcoming period film. Even though the creation process is portrayed, the film is more interested in the crew’s dramas, as most of the designers and seamstresses have their own issues. Furthermore, the film mostly focuses on that little community and how they support each other, helping them push their work and lives in a better direction. A true ensemble piece, with a large (mostly female) cast, too many to mention individually. If the film has protagonists, they are the two sisters: Luisa Ranieri plays the imperious, cold, demanding but not uncaring one, and Jasmine Trinca plays the sensitive, quiet, broken one; both give fine performances. In a film about costume designers, it’s not unexpected to have great costumes; Stefano Ciammitti creates a visual identity for the characters and a wonderful set of pieces that work mostly as props. Cinematographer Gian Filippo Corticelli captures it all rather nicely, with beautiful light. Composers Giuliano Taviani and Carmelo Travia contribute with a pleasurable musical score. The few scenes in the present day, where the film within the film is being discussed, however, feel extraneous and self-indulgent; Özpetek shows great love for his actresses, but simply letting them work would be enough. Luckily, their work is quite appealing and entertaining.