Der Wendepunkt

This is a heartfelt story of bromance of the unlikeliest guys. It's a simple story but it has its tense moments. What I like about it is how the writer is able to capture the growing friendship of Jack and Ludovico in such uncommon circumstances. And as each peels off a bit of himself, I come to understand how this could be possible.

I wished the ending could have been different. I thought the viewer is being set up for a plot twist that did not happen. The plot is not condescending. What happened is so plausible.

Andrea Lattanzi and Brando Pacitto do a splendid job with their characters. Nothing is contrived or wooden. However, I wished the roles of Rebecca and Amanda were more meaty. But, as it is, the script doesn't give them that chance.

This film has the same vibes as the British film, "I Used to be Famous."

As "The Turning Point" (2021 release from Italy; 96 min.) opens, Ludovico hosts his dad at his place, and his dad is none too pleased about the state of things in Ludovico's life. In a parallel story, a thug named Jack steals a backpack full of cash from a mobster. In the ensuing bike chase, Jack is cornered into fleeing and ends up at Ludovico's apartment... At this point we are 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: let me state upfront that i know absolutely nothing about the film makers or the cast of this film. What I do know is that the movie is a strange cocktail between the traditional Italian crime movie and the unexpected friendship that seems to develop between the thug/hostage taker and the victim/hostage. Jack offers in jest "It's Stockholm syndrome!". It's the dynamic between the Jack and Ludovico characters that form the core of this film, far more so that the traditional crime aspects. But because the movie does go back and forth between these two very different aspects, it makes for some challenging viewing at times. That said. These 95 min came and went pretty quickly.

Even though this movie was released in Italy in 2021, the movie didn't make it onto the US until Netflix started streaming it some months ago. Netflix had suggested it to me based on my viewing habits. (I will admit that these recommendations are more often than not right on the money for me.) I saw "The Turning Point" earlier this week. If you are in the mood for an Italian film that offers a strange cocktail of crime drama with a character study of two very different guys stuck in an apartment for a long stretch of time, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Sometimes you meet someone and you know this is it. Not romantically speaking (no pun intended), though it may seem so at certain points of the story. Especially when it feels like one of the parties is showing jealousy and the other may not be as .. grateful as the other one thinks is necessary.

Trying to be as vague as possible, because I do not want to reveal anything - it is my credo after all. So this story of two individuals who are different, but hit it off from the moment they meet, is well told. It may get a bit too hectic for its own good towards the end ... and live too much on chance ... but hey, it is fun to watch overall, that cannot be disputed.

I have seen worst in new wave crime films and this one is a good surprise. An interesting psychological study of characters thru a crime scheme with mobsters. It is violent, sad, but cheap in the production design and directing too. Maybe a bit more ambition could have brought some more fresh blood, but the main thing is saved to keep interest from the audiences.

Unexpectedly very sweet and gentle film, well written, acted and directed. Both actors and characters are very good and likable.

The script is also quite funny and sad at the same time. Not a masterpiece but a very enjoyable watch. Apart from a little tear at the end.