Il Nibbio, directed by Alessandro Tonda, undeniably deserves credit for honoring the sacrifice of General Nicola Calipari. The film's intent is noble, shedding light on a crucial chapter in Italian history, but it struggles to deliver a compelling cinematic experience. One of its main shortcomings lies in the lack of a well-developed narrative arc for the characters. The protagonists remain relatively flat, with little emotional or psychological growth, making it difficult for the audience to fully engage with their journey.
Another notable flaw is the dialogue, which often feels overly contrived and excessively didactic. Instead of allowing the emotions and themes to emerge naturally, the script relies on heavy-handed exposition, which detracts from the film's dramatic impact. The result is a monotone narrative that, despite its inherently tragic subject matter, fails to evoke the depth of emotion it aspires to.
That said, Il Nibbio does benefit from a relatively concise runtime of under two hours, which prevents it from becoming overwhelmingly tedious. While it may lack the nuance and narrative strength to make it truly memorable, the film ultimately succeeds in its primary goal: paying tribute to the memory of "Il Nibbio," the code name of General Calipari. Despite its flaws, it remains a respectful homage to an important figure in Italy's recent history, ensuring that his story is not forgotten.
