Lives of the Saints

"Lives of the Saints" is definitely finer than any of the feature films I have seen in the past year. Yes, those who are expecting CGI spectacles and light-hearted entertainment would be disappointed, but not those who look for something that attempt to confront life with all its confusion and complications, especially for people torn between two cultures. There is no "good guy vs bad guy" in this film, as there is none in real life. Rather, everyone is a full human, flesh and blood, with likable and repulsive character traits. Fabrizio Filippo gave such a solid and charismatic performance in the leading role--I'd definitely like to see him feature in some high profile film. The character of Rita, however, is less convincing I find--a flaw due primary to the script and less to Jessica Paré. Nonetheless, this is definitely one of those films which try to reach out for something more than prescribed clichés on which 95% of movies nowadays are constructed.

American mini-series should be half this good. This could easily have been a feature film and would have been nominated for an academy award. Almost all the actors give incredible performances, but the true standouts are Sophia Loren and Fabrizio Filippo, who I've had great expectations for since I first saw him in "Ready or Not", more than ten years ago. His performances in the last several years, including "Waydowntown" & "Queer as Folk" have been standout, but here we finally see the true potential he has to be a true leading man. And Sabrina Ferilli also did an incredible job. It's simply impossible to keep your eyes off of her when she is on the screen, as her face says more than her words and you dare not miss an expression.

Visually, this movie is like a painting brought to life, particularly the scenes in Italy. The use of the horizon and colour reminded me of Claire Denis' "Beau travail" and is almost a character itself, saying as much as any of the actual people.

Jessica Paré's performance was fair, though clearly the weak point in the film. Still, I can't think of another film I've seen on television recently, that comes close to matching this one in scope, beauty, intensity, and pure passion. There's no doubt that this was a work of love for all those involved in the making of this film.

If you have the chance, see this movie. You'll be glad you did.

I say it was a wicked movie because i'm in one of the scene - I'm in the scene with the school kids and i was right next to the camera when the character was asking the class what was a "gibas moon" or something like that. We had to do so many do overs because some of us kept staring at the camera - (I admit i was 1 of them :-) ) and another scene we had to kick the ball what was on the poll thing - i don't really know what it was but it was one of the Inuit sports. I think the movie was great because they took the time and effort to make the movie and i've watched it like 20 times - i was like 7 when me and my brother and some of my friends went to the movie seen and it took like 10-14 hours for us to actually get the perfect clip to put on the movie.

... ... -Ryan Michael _____________ >>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<< -------------

In Lives of the Saints, Sophia Loren proves why she has remained at the top of her game for over 50 years. Her brilliant performance as Teresa Innocente was nothing short of astonishing. Just watch the scene where young Vittorio and Cristina board the bus, and when the mature Vittorio confronts her about the painting. Loren conveys raw emotion that is gripping and entirely believable. If she doesn't receive a Gemini or Emmy award for this performance, it is an injustice. Fab Filippo also gave a remarkable performance. I haven't seen Filippo in anything else but I hope this film springboards him into higher profile roles. He is a performer to watch.

Lives of the Saints is the greatest movie ever!! It's so good!! I think everyone should see it! I love the parts when you see Vittorio as very young...he's so adorable!! It so deserves a 10!! It's a movie with a lot of Italian but a lot of English as well. I think many Italians would love this movie because they understand it. Like my grandparents for example. Their Italian and speak/understand very little English but when they saw this movie they understand most of it. Everyone in my family loved this movie!! They did a great job coming up with the ideas of this movie! good job!! They even show a lot about an Italian life-style. This movie is great and exciting. You should watch it!