The Genesis Children

This film is destined to be listed among those which have little meaning, but has all the force of a classic. The film follows the summer exploits of a group of European boys who are invited to a 'Play' near an Italian seaside. Once there, the play becomes a search for answers. Each boy begins a quest to learn what life means to himself. From the audience point of view, the scenic tour encompasses the sea, land and some of the most beautiful landscapes available in Italy. The haunting melody accompanies the children's quest and despite it's non-resolution, offers an artistic interpretation of what the director was creating. The actors are quite uninhibited with the abundance of nudity, but they carry the Avant Guard movie to it's abrupt end. All in all, a good film for those with an open mind. *****

Well this film was just strange. Boys around teens just running around naked and something about God and Christ. No it had no meaning, must have been made of some nutcase who enjoys looking at teenboys naked. It was purely stupid and meaningless.

Judging from comments on other sites, people either love or hate this movie. I was warned that it would be crap, but I was even more enticed by the theme: A bunch of teens doing what they are best at - being beautiful.

And that was exactly what it was. There is no story whatsoever and the so called philosophical theme is just there as an alibi - its naive statements make you laugh. What's more - the acting sucks. The Genesis Children really is a pathetic movie, by normal movie standards.

The only point with The Genesis Children is to show teenage boys naked. And God, that's a great point! That is *radical* in today's society. I watched the movie smiling, both at the boys' beauty and at the fact that such a film has been made at all.

Its theme remains obscure. The grow up, the naturism, the freedom, the lost or Paradise or the temptation and presence of authority. Its plot - just a convention. Clear - the influences. The lovelz scenes on the beach and in Rome. The boys . The eulogy to naturism. The desire to give a start point for reflection. A beautiful film. Maybe too naive or tool of too idealistic perspective about life. But usefull for the feeling behind it. And, maybe, is the most significant purpoise. Or only virtue.

Strange, dreamlike film is more a glimpse into the secret, fantasy-laced world of children, than a narrative movie with a story. And "Genesis Children" recreates that brief time like no other film in memory. Filmed in Rome, among the ruins and on the lush seaside, this poetic study of adolescence involves a group of boys, mostly in their teens, and a few younger, who answer an ad posted by a mysterious stranger, about taking part in a play based on a Greek Tragedy. The boys become fast friends, in a way that is only possible at that age. As a group they embark on a series of adventures, through the streets of Rome, into idyllic forests, and mysterious, dark caves, which they explore by torch light. The film is non-linear and random, exactly like the lives of children. The simplest things are laced with symbolism, usually religious in nature. When the oldest boy Jack lifts a loaf of bread above his head and offers it to the others, he becomes somewhat like a 'Jesus figure,' as the other kids take to following his lead. As the film moves forward, their adventures become more tinged with mystery, and danger, and ultimately, violence.

From reading some other comments about this obscure film, it seems that few seemed to grasp what the filmmakers were trying to do. "Genesis Children" is merely showing the difficult journey that we all take at one point, from innocence into adulthood. That journey is usually filled with confusion, frustration, and anger, as well as a natural fear of the unknown. One by one, each boy faces a certain conflict, and this leads to each one letting go of their innocence. In the end, some of the boys suddenly feel uncomfortable with being nude on the beach, while others in the group decide to stay by the sea, living in the primal way that only kids are capable of. I found this movie to be quite brilliant in many ways. The creators obviously have an almost reverent love and respect for this special time, before we must accept responsibility and conform to a fixed schedule. I think most people forget when the only thing they were required to do, was run from one adventure to the next, with no concern about tomorrow. The movie brought back memories for me, of how it felt to be truly free. And any piece of cinema that can do that, has got to be something special. On a side note, I find it profoundly sad to read so many people trashing this movie, based on some beach scenes early in the film, where the kids are swimming and playing while nude. There is not one single frame of this movie where sexuality is even hinted at. The characters didn't even seem to be aware of their being naked, so I have to wonder why it is such a big deal for the audience. I think people need to grow up. I would have no problem letting my own kids watch this film; in fact I believe they would have a deeper understanding of it than many adults. Recommended for fans of directors like Pier Paolo Pasolini, Derek Jarman, and even Ingmar Bergman. The cinematography brought to mind Jarman's "Sebastion," and the characters are filmed in the same unassuming way that Pasolini photographed his actors in "Arabian Nights." And for some reason I was reminded of the children's film "The Black Stallion," especially the scenes where the little boy bonds with his horse on the desert island. Just don't look for anything vulgar in this movie; you won't find it here..