Vermiglio

I found "Vermiglio" a very beautiful, unusual and yet highly relevant movie. This is cinema at its best. The acting is excellent and the narrative is very well constructed, highly touching and superbly conducted. This is one of the best movies I saw in recent years. I found the language extremely beautiful and the photography just amazing. The story of the family is highly plausible and the references to the social reality of the Trentino during and after the Great War appear truthful and deserves to be looked at as an experiment in social analysis. The respect with which the religious dimension is treated deserves my highest praise. In other words, besides being poetic and truly beautiful, «Vermiglio» brings us back to a world that is about to disappear in Europe. As non-Italian, I am now ready to visit the real Vermiglio and once being there reflect on the effects of this wonderful movie. It deserves to be seen by anyone that loves real cinema, that searches for the understanding of the human condition and, most importantly, does not abdicate of the aesthetic dimension of life in the world of today. The music is excellent and the sound of the «Miserere» sounded in a moment of deep sorrow in the family was deeply touching for me. I congratulate all those who participated and contributed to this beautiful work of art.

Directed by Maura Delpero, "Vermiglio" made its debut at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, highlighting the director's unique storytelling approach and her skill in crafting intricate narratives. The film serves as a poignant examination of identity, belonging, and the complex relationships that shape our lives.

Set over a pivotal year and divided into four chapters, each representing a different season, this film is a visually stunning experience. In the waning days of World War II, a Sicilian deserter arrives in a secluded village in the Italian Alps, where he is taken in by a local schoolteacher who has three daughters. His presence will irrevocably change the dynamics of both the village and the family.

A notable aspect of the film is its cinematography, which beautifully captures the lush landscapes of the Italian countryside, adding emotional resonance to the story. Delpero's direction is both empathetic and perceptive, allowing the characters to develop naturally throughout the film. The performances, especially from the lead actress Martina Scrinzi, are powerful and layered, effectively portraying the protagonist's internal struggles. The film thoughtfully addresses themes of nostalgia and the quest for identity, encouraging viewers to contemplate their own notions of home and belonging.

Nevertheless, "Vermiglio" does have its shortcomings. At times, the pacing may feel inconsistent, with certain scenes extending longer than necessary, potentially challenging the audience's engagement. Furthermore, while the film's thematic exploration is praiseworthy, some viewers might perceive the narrative as somewhat predictable, missing the unexpected twists that could enhance its overall impact.

"Vermiglio" portrays a year in the life of the Graziadei family in a small mountain village at the end of World War II. The film is shot in a strikingly realistic style, devoid of dramatization, embellishments, or background music. What makes it even more compelling is that the stories depicted are, in fact, drawn from the family memories of the director, Maura Delpero. We are transported into our past, which unfolds before our eyes with raw authenticity, beautifully captured through the film's stunning cinematography. Every frame feels like a timeless painting, rich in atmosphere and detail.

During the COVID period, I conducted some research on my family and came across stories that closely resemble those depicted in the film. It prompts deep reflection on the essence of our lives.

If we strip away the illusion of well-being we have built over the past hundred years-erasing the distractions and illusions we've created, dismantling the image we carefully craft on social media-we are left with the fundamental aspects of life: births, deaths, opportunities, regrets, and the few real choices we make in our fragile existence on this earth.

However, it must be noted that Vermiglio is not an easy film for everyone. Its necessarily slow pace and the near absence of dialogue demand patience and a willingness to fully immerse oneself in its quiet, contemplative storytelling.

"Vermiglio" powerfully reminds us of where we come from and, once we remove the layers of artifice, reveals who we truly are and where we are headed.

To say this was a beautiful film is an understatement. Maura Delpero does such an incredible job of taking us back to the 1940s when WW II was ending to a quiet, village nestled in the Italian Alps as we become a part of the Graziadei family. We watch as their joy, sadness, and secrets unfold. The Cinematography work by Mikhail Krichman was spectacular! The cast was quite strong especially that of Tommaso Ragno, Martina Scrinzi, and Carlotta Gamba. I do not speak Italian but following the story with subtitles was a breeze and didn't detract from this film. All you have to do is watch the actors eyes and mannerisms and you feel what they are going through. The sign of a great film.

The film is a visual feast. Cinematographically, it's very good. The art director did a great job. This made the director's job much easier. Both interior and exterior shots are very successful. But I can't say the same for the script and acting. The script contains very disjointed stories and this makes it difficult to concentrate. The acting was too heavy for a cinema film. In many places I felt like I was watching a theatre rather than a cinema film. Overall, I can say it was a good film. But you won't lose much if you don't watch it. But if you have plenty of time, it is a watchable film Good luck.