juststacey
Joined May 2000
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Reviews6
juststacey's rating
This series begins with a strong first episode. It's full of suspense and interesting characters. The second episode introduces "Neverland" which, with hindsight, signals a departure...to less realistic storylines. I suppose it's up to the viewer whether this is to be endured or embraced. Or rejected. I won't say anything more specific than that. Other reviews on this site do.
I kept watching to the end because I'm a fan of Carmine Buschini, who plays Filippo. This was his first series after debuting in Braccialetti Rossi, the Italian version of The Red Band Society. It's certainly worth watching for his fans.
I kept watching to the end because I'm a fan of Carmine Buschini, who plays Filippo. This was his first series after debuting in Braccialetti Rossi, the Italian version of The Red Band Society. It's certainly worth watching for his fans.
I watched this drama on Mhz Choice streaming. (The Mhz Choice company released a DVD set but the picture quality is poor.) It's a beautiful story based on fact, but unfortunately the book is difficult to find here.
The story is best when focused on the children, who are Jews coming out of the concentration camps at the end of WWII. Many have lost their entire families, while others are hoping to be reunited with what is left of theirs. It clear what the children endured in the camps, but there is very little graphic imagery onscreen. Much is conveyed through the children's verbal descriptions and the reactions from the volunteers listening.
The performances are uniformly excellent, and the child playing little Giovanni stole my heart.
If this series has a flaw, it's perhaps that too much time is spent on trying to remain at the agricultural estate (which the volunteers have commandeered) and their legal issues with the landowner. I would have preferred more time with the children.
It should be noted that the series was broadcast in Italy in 4 installments but the US version has 8 episodes. In Italy, it's fairly common for 2 episodes to be broadcast together.
The story is best when focused on the children, who are Jews coming out of the concentration camps at the end of WWII. Many have lost their entire families, while others are hoping to be reunited with what is left of theirs. It clear what the children endured in the camps, but there is very little graphic imagery onscreen. Much is conveyed through the children's verbal descriptions and the reactions from the volunteers listening.
The performances are uniformly excellent, and the child playing little Giovanni stole my heart.
If this series has a flaw, it's perhaps that too much time is spent on trying to remain at the agricultural estate (which the volunteers have commandeered) and their legal issues with the landowner. I would have preferred more time with the children.
It should be noted that the series was broadcast in Italy in 4 installments but the US version has 8 episodes. In Italy, it's fairly common for 2 episodes to be broadcast together.
I really love this series, and I'm grateful to have found a version with English subtitles. It's worth the effort!
This is not a drama for those looking for accuracy or plausibility in a medical situation. This series is about building community and supporting each other: the willingness to hold a hand, to give a long hug, and to not be afraid of asking for help yourself. About what you lose, but also what you gain.
Carmine Buschini as Leo anchors the show with his charisma and energy. All the cast is good, and the viewer comes to care about each one like a member of the family.
This is a series that should be watched in order. The swimming pool as a metaphor is established at the beginning and carries on throughout the series. One of the characters who appears in season 2 and 3 won't make sense for anyone who didn't watch series 1.
The music soundtrack is a big part of the series, and there are some entertaining music videos featuring the cast that are worth watching.
The creator of the series, Albert Espinosa, based it on his book The Yellow World, about what he learned from his cancer as a teen. The book is a good read that offers valuable insight into the series.
This is not a drama for those looking for accuracy or plausibility in a medical situation. This series is about building community and supporting each other: the willingness to hold a hand, to give a long hug, and to not be afraid of asking for help yourself. About what you lose, but also what you gain.
Carmine Buschini as Leo anchors the show with his charisma and energy. All the cast is good, and the viewer comes to care about each one like a member of the family.
This is a series that should be watched in order. The swimming pool as a metaphor is established at the beginning and carries on throughout the series. One of the characters who appears in season 2 and 3 won't make sense for anyone who didn't watch series 1.
The music soundtrack is a big part of the series, and there are some entertaining music videos featuring the cast that are worth watching.
The creator of the series, Albert Espinosa, based it on his book The Yellow World, about what he learned from his cancer as a teen. The book is a good read that offers valuable insight into the series.