This semi-autobiographical Italian coming-of-age tale follows a budding film-maker/football-loving teenager, Fabio, growing up in 1980s Naples through the creation of a lively range of colourful characters that depicts an energetic, open and direct-talking portrayal of 'extended family' life which is warm-hearted, wryly observant and very engaging. The first half is nostalgically funny and warm with a delightful group at its core, but a huge world-changing incident mid-way through the film (including a harrowingly raw scene from young Filippo Scotti in the lead role) gives the second half a very different tone and a huge emotional punch, but still finding some humour and hope even in the depths of tragedy. By turns funny, wistful and poignant, and set against a stunningly-shot background of Naples, The Hand Of God is an absolute treat of a film.
No comments:
Post a Comment