Stranizza d'amuri

This movie captivates the senses with its meticulously crafted visuals and poignant storytelling. Every frame of this film is a testament to the director's vision, blending realism with a touch of whimsy to create an immersive experience. The deliberate pacing and composition of each shot invite the audience to engage deeply with the narrative.

The characters are portrayed with authenticity that resonates with the times, making their journeys all the more compelling. The natural performances by the cast add a layer of sincerity to the narrative, further drawing the viewer into the world of the film. The editing complements the storytelling as well. Every frame has a purpose.

The cinematography is truly exceptional, with each shot crafted to convey both intimacy and artistry. The setting of 1980s Italy, depicted with golden hues and a nostalgic atmosphere, adds a layer of charm to the film.

Humankind is not fit for any redemption, no not even in a million years. We are jealous, greedy, nasty and just can't see another person happy. Gianni and Nino just two beautiful souls, will be together in each others arms, remembering their eternal pure love. It was heartfelt that Gianni was never treated the way he was or the way Nino was. Beautiful film so naturally played out and they have made this their own story. No one could have played it better. I was in tears in the end and wish more maturity among parents and civilization to let live and give space for love to flourish. Ah what a pity the civilization rides to oblivion without a heart.

As a Sicilian origins I knew the story but I didn't expect to watch such a finest way to describe it.

This movie it's absolutely well made.

I got immediately in "nostalgia" mood from the first. Everything is well cured, photography, sound, light, costume, words, gestures, expressions. I could almost smell the tomato sauce, the coeffee on the table, the dry grass in the summer, the cicadas, the smell of the fireworks, even if the "carne simmenthal" with the lemon... Yes, it was really hard to watch the story, no easy/cheesy tears or stereotypes as you can expect but the movie gives to you a kick in the stomach, given by the ignorance, the lack of empathy and cruelty of the disgraced human being...and lot of anger.

For this reason the story its not only about homofoby.

Even if the direction seems to be quite light, silence, untold words, I can see the contrast with the real drama that seems coming from the narrative of Giovanni Verga, verist, realist, humble, pure and cruel as life unfortunately can be.

Beside all there's a delicate touch of innocence, a smile, a look, a "stolen kiss" and lot of silence full of meanings and understanding.

..."Quello che si fa di nascosto si può fare per cent'anni"...but shouldn't be like that!

As a Sicilian who was 13 during the World Cup, I find incredible levels of authenticity together with a representation of the places and of the social relationship that resembles more the 50s than the 80s. Nevertheless this film has given me real emotions, and appreciate the effort not to sugarcoat anything. But the story between the boys is so real and intense, and so delicate, didn't really need to have a brutal background to come forward. Maybe it was all like that, but that would have been a bit of an outlier, the place where the facts happened is a tourist destination and a commercial hub. Yet I've given 10 because in some places and at some time every single piece of land, language, dialogue, emotions, behaviour would have been real, and they are all portrayed magnificently.

A movie of sadness, joy, struggle, heartbreak, betrayal... it captivates the heart and mind through a most difficult time in Sicilian society in the 1980's. The enormous love shared by two won out over the ridicule and rejection of others. Watch this movie, it might be just above a snails pace at times, but overall is worth the time.

Gabriele Pizzurro and Samuele Segreto do an outstanding job in acting and the subtle expressions that make the movie so believable... then when you learn its based on a true story, it leaves you contemplating it for days. Very touching...

You will enjoy this movie very much.