Stranizza d'amuri

AUTHENTIC CHRONICLE OF A FATEFUL LOVE AFFAIR OF YESTERDAY IN THE PRESENT TIME

Italy doesn't currently stand out on the global independent scene (much less the LGBT+ scene), and that's a shame, since, along with the French, they were the pioneers of independent cinema. They have a rich and abundant history of works, many of which are cult titles around the world. But here we have perhaps a future cult work. I hope I'm not mistaken.

We have a film based on real events, about a love affair that began in the last century, in the early 1980s, where its characters wander through a town in southern Italy (which still stands out for its prominent conservatism today), going back and forth between circumstances that anyone could easily identify with. The plot itself, while widely touched upon in independent cinema (and practically a standard) with thousands of films that have already addressed this subject of first love, here the optics and perspective are totally different from other films with similar plots.

There are no stereotypes here. And if there are any, they are minimal and necessary for the work. The director (as far as I know, this is his debut film) was quite emphatic in showing us the somewhat atypical perspective of the characters, never overstepping or focusing on those who, narrowly, attack, and this is so evident even in the most tense scenes. This treatment is subtle, as if this film were a powerful denunciation of the hypocrisy of Italian society at that time (and which still persists in various places in Italy) and, why not, in Europe and the world. A kind of protest film, albeit sweetly crafted so that the casual viewer wouldn't be scared or bored, although its pace is somewhat slow, it was necessary because the director wanted to take the time to show, with the patience of a monk, the daily lives of his protagonists. This was so evident at the end. It seems you have to guess what happened or assume it. Or better yet, investigate the real case on which the film was based (interestingly, its director is originally from Sicily, where the events actually occurred).

The performances were sublime. From what I could see, the actors are natural. This gives it a unique and unrepeatable tone of spontaneity. This, combined with the excellent production, direction, and stunning photography (as if a nod to the Argentine scene, so distinctive for its rich photography), makes this film a modern gem, which hopefully will elevate Italian cinema to the status it once held. There are examples.

Perhaps if this film were made during the same time as the legendary and controversial Pier Paulo Pasolini, the consequences would be similar to those of the director of this film. Perhaps with that precedent, he shows off a delicate and well-crafted film to, as I already mentioned, make a subtle but powerful protest against this hypocritical society that condemns plausible things but ignores more worrying facts.

If you're looking for a very interesting film to watch, for a truly memorable weekend... you might even weep your eyes until you get there, this will be the film for you.

The title of my review was taken from the song "Demasiado Corazón" by Willie Colón.

This movie captivates the senses with its meticulously crafted visuals and poignant storytelling. Every frame of this film is a testament to the director's vision, blending realism with a touch of whimsy to create an immersive experience. The deliberate pacing and composition of each shot invite the audience to engage deeply with the narrative.

The characters are portrayed with authenticity that resonates with the times, making their journeys all the more compelling. The natural performances by the cast add a layer of sincerity to the narrative, further drawing the viewer into the world of the film. The editing complements the storytelling as well. Every frame has a purpose.

The cinematography is truly exceptional, with each shot crafted to convey both intimacy and artistry. The setting of 1980s Italy, depicted with golden hues and a nostalgic atmosphere, adds a layer of charm to the film.

As a Sicilian who was 13 during the World Cup, I find incredible levels of authenticity together with a representation of the places and of the social relationship that resembles more the 50s than the 80s. Nevertheless this film has given me real emotions, and appreciate the effort not to sugarcoat anything. But the story between the boys is so real and intense, and so delicate, didn't really need to have a brutal background to come forward. Maybe it was all like that, but that would have been a bit of an outlier, the place where the facts happened is a tourist destination and a commercial hub. Yet I've given 10 because in some places and at some time every single piece of land, language, dialogue, emotions, behaviour would have been real, and they are all portrayed magnificently.

Humankind is not fit for any redemption, no not even in a million years. We are jealous, greedy, nasty and just can't see another person happy. Gianni and Nino just two beautiful souls, will be together in each others arms, remembering their eternal pure love. It was heartfelt that Gianni was never treated the way he was or the way Nino was. Beautiful film so naturally played out and they have made this their own story. No one could have played it better. I was in tears in the end and wish more maturity among parents and civilization to let live and give space for love to flourish. Ah what a pity the civilization rides to oblivion without a heart.

As a Sicilian origins I knew the story but I didn't expect to watch such a finest way to describe it.

This movie it's absolutely well made.

I got immediately in "nostalgia" mood from the first. Everything is well cured, photography, sound, light, costume, words, gestures, expressions. I could almost smell the tomato sauce, the coeffee on the table, the dry grass in the summer, the cicadas, the smell of the fireworks, even if the "carne simmenthal" with the lemon... Yes, it was really hard to watch the story, no easy/cheesy tears or stereotypes as you can expect but the movie gives to you a kick in the stomach, given by the ignorance, the lack of empathy and cruelty of the disgraced human being...and lot of anger.

For this reason the story its not only about homofoby.

Even if the direction seems to be quite light, silence, untold words, I can see the contrast with the real drama that seems coming from the narrative of Giovanni Verga, verist, realist, humble, pure and cruel as life unfortunately can be.

Beside all there's a delicate touch of innocence, a smile, a look, a "stolen kiss" and lot of silence full of meanings and understanding.

..."Quello che si fa di nascosto si può fare per cent'anni"...but shouldn't be like that!