A rewatch at Alice nella Città : Antonio Capuano's Vito e gli Altri is a devastatingly raw and unflinchingly honest film that shines a light on the harsh realities faced by the marginalized youth of Naples. Even three decades after its release, the film remains chillingly relevant, as the tragic plight of Neapolitan children caught in cycles of poverty and violence continues to echo today, with minors still dying at the hands of other armed minors.
Capuano's debut is both a cinematic triumph and a social indictment. The film chronicles the life of Vito, a young boy navigating a city rife with crime, neglect, and despair. Through his eyes, we witness a generation of lost children-abandoned by society, preyed upon by crime, and left to fend for themselves in an unforgiving urban landscape. The story is unapologetically brutal yet deeply compassionate, forcing viewers to confront the stark reality of a problem too often ignored.
The enduring power of Vito e gli Altri lies in its tragic prescience. What was a bold exposé in 1991 remains a haunting reflection of the ongoing crisis in Naples. The film's exploration of systemic failures-poverty, lack of education, and the lure of organized crime-feels disturbingly contemporary. Capuano's work is not just a film but a call to action, urging society to address the conditions that allow such tragedies to persist.
Capuano's direction captures the soul of Naples with a vérité style that immerses the audience in its chaotic beauty and heartbreaking despair. The city becomes a character in itself, its narrow alleys and decaying buildings providing the perfect backdrop for the struggles of its forgotten children. The non-professional cast adds to the film's authenticity, with their raw, unpolished performances making the story all the more poignant and believable.
While Vito e gli Altri is an incisive critique of societal neglect, it never loses sight of its humanity. Capuano paints a nuanced portrait of his characters, showing not just their suffering but also their resilience, dreams, and moments of fleeting joy. This balance between harsh realism and emotional depth ensures the film resonates on both an intellectual and visceral level.
Three decades later, the tragedy of minors killing minors in Naples reminds us that the issues Vito e gli Altri exposed remain unresolved. The film's relevance is a sobering testament to its power and a damning indictment of the lack of progress. Capuano's work is not just a cinematic achievement but a critical piece of social documentation, demanding to be revisited as a reminder of what remains at stake.
Vito e gli Altri is more than a film-it is a masterwork of Italian cinema and a searing indictment of societal failure. Antonio Capuano's fearless storytelling and his empathetic gaze make it a timeless piece of art that speaks to the human cost of neglect and systemic inequality. Tragically, its message is as urgent today as it was in 1991, a reminder of the work still needed to protect the most vulnerable among us.
