The House That Stood

What a beautifully meditative and haunting love story. The massive historical narrative is rendered with an uncanny intimacy and rich interiority that draws you in, and makes you lean forward and invest in the youthful, heartfelt romance. The performances are nicely understated and the camera's gaze has a lyrical glow that invites us have to have faith in the good that lies ahead, no matter what conflict the protagonists encounter along the way. In a moment of resurfacing prejudice and violence all around the world, there is a lot of value in stories that remind us the worst of humanity cannot dampen the best of it. And my goodness, the stylistic shift at the start of the third act is such an emotional gut punch. My heart jumped into my throat, it was so beautiful.

Directed by Antonella Spirito, 'The House That Stood' beautifully captures the tender yet resilient spirit of young love amidst the backdrop of wartime Italy. The film boasts remarkable performances from its ensemble cast, particularly Matteo Accardi and Beatrice Buticchi, who bring a palpable chemistry to their roles. Spirito's direction imbues the narrative with a poignant simplicity, seamlessly blending moments of heartfelt emotion with the harsh realities of war. The cinematography is stunning, enhancing the film's evocative atmosphere, especially in its use of light and shadow. While the storyline focuses on the personal journey of its protagonists, the film occasionally hints at broader themes of home and sacrifice, adding depth to its narrative. 'The House That Stood' is a captivating ode to the enduring power of love and friendship, offering both charm and emotional resonance that linger long after the credits roll.

After wiping some happy tears I can confidently say, and I cannot stress it enough, this is one of the most beautiful movies of the year.

It is beautifully directed, the actors cannot have been chosen better (LOVE the choice for Bianca... I mean, her facial and body expressions are just perfect), and the music and colors of the movie go perfectly with the plot and sceneries

We've enjoyed ourselves very much, specially the last part of the movie, when real-life pictures get in the scene. Definitely recommend it for a day when all hope is lost and all you need is comfort and a heart-warming story! :)

"The House That Stood" is a wonderful film that from the very first scenes manages to engage the audience on a personal level. The historical accuracy, the attention to the details of a small village in rural southern Italy, the authenticity of the filming location and of the costumes and props make it hard to believe this is a debut film. The heartfelt performance of the cast and the black-and-white finish emphasise the very personal and intimate biographical background of the film. The soundtrack is also spot on. On the whole, "The House That Stood" is beautifully moving film, a solid 10/10.