Nápoles Velada

Acting: 7 /Story: 6 /Production values: 5 /Suspence - Thriller level: 5 /Action: 0 /Mystery - unknown: 8 /Romance level: 7 /Film noir ~ neo-noir density: 4 /Comedy elements: 0 /Overall: 6

... or a portrait. portrait of Naples. using pieces from Fellini and the love as axis. a film about a world. honest, touching, labyrinth - like. usefull. for the sentimental geography. for the story like arena. for cultural references. maybe, for courage. and for seductive beauty.

There are some movies that just aren't meant to be understood, Napoli Velata is one of them without a doubt. Maybe it doesn't have the most amazing plot, it's quite intricate, but I found that the best thing about this movie is the breathtaking sceneries that the city offers, even if just inside a house. Many have said that it doesn't feel whole because Naples is barely there, but I think that the film just shows a different version of the city that perhaps the "outsiders'" eye can't catch and isn't used to. I was born in this city and one thing that really moved me is actually the way the city is depicted. It's impressive how Ozpetek managed to take the city and use it as the protagonist but at the same time as the background to the story. It's evidently the point of view of someone that went well beyond the stereotypes (finally) and deep into the roots of the culture and the customs, elements that very much characterize a Neapolitan's identity such as theatre, superstitions and numbers. The movie doesn't want to give a definitive and defined definition of what it shows and I really appreciated it.

Another gem from Ferzan Ozpetek. It brings a taste of a fairy tale. I absolutely loved this movie.

This is actually a great movie. Extremely poetical and suggesting in its photography, this movie has also a compelling plot and some good psychological insights.

It's probably at its best if watched in the original language, so as to appreciate Italian (expecially Naples') culture and images.