Padrenostro (2020) User Reviews

A very well made auto-biographical film of the director, with good performances to boot

[JuguAbraham · 7/10 · 21 March 2021]

Very likable tale of a young boy's friendship with another--thankfully without sexual undercurrents. It also happens to be the director's own life story in a period when his father was under constant threat of being killed by terrorists in the line of duty. The two awards for the Best Actor (the father Alfonso's role by Favino) and the technical award for camera and lighting at the Venice Festival were well deserved. Two factors that raise questions: One, how is that Alfonso's body in the boat sequences does not show injury (real or part imagination) marks of the recent bloody shooting incident recollected by his son and, two, did Christian (the older boy) target Valerio (the younger boy) for friendship by design, if he knew the connection with his parents to Alfonso. A superior film when compared to two other awardee films at the Venice competition: "The New Order" and "Wife of a Spy." The cinematography was notable, too.

One of the most personal films you'll see

[carlesmiquel · 8/10 · 7 September 2021]

The Years of Lead. Anni di Piombo. Terrorism, massacres and politics both in Italy and Argentina shocked the foundations of both countries while the director of this film was too young to remember but too young to forget. His father is the character, brilliantly played by one of the most recognised Italian actors. This film is so personal, so beautifully crafted, that it feels like we're witnessing someone else's life through a peep-hole. Complex, layered and well thought. If you're not familiar with recent Italian history, this film might be strange, full of references that assume some understanding of the period. It proves, again, the depth of many Italian films and the sheer beauty shining in the darkest realms of life. Maybe somebody can describe the story or what's behind it. I only can suggest you to watch this film. It's a work of art.

One of the best films of the year

[andrewbunney · 9/10 · 1 December 2021]

Rome, 1976. 10-year-old Vale & his mother witnesses, an assassination attack on his father by a terrorist group, his innocence is challenged. From that moment on, fear and a sense of vulnerability affect the whole family. Then young Vale gets to know Christian, a boy not much older than him. Solitary, rebellious and bold, he seems to have appeared out of nowhere.

It's a story that shifts from Rome to Calabria and we are treated to cinematography that does justice to the grandeur, beauty and colours of the locations. The heroic characters, with their secrets, are interesting and handsomely portrayed; Valerio (Mattia Garaci), Father is Alfonso (Pierfrancesco Favino in his Venice Film Festival Best Actor-winning role.

Claudio Noce's very personal political thriller, inspired by his own family drama. Because it is not a fiction, this film leads us unexpectedly into unknown territory. But there is fun, magic and poetry in this story's authenticity. Original, well acted, well-filmed, a taut, low-key thriller with great music and images. Padrenostro (our father), one of the best films of the year.

A lonely boy makes a friend, real or imaginary

[mccollum26 · 8/10 · 14 March 2021]

This is a story about a boy and his friendship with an older boy in the background of a family tragedy. However, the whole story is seen through the boy's eye, so the family's complex political intrigue nor the other boy's family situation aren't fully explained. We see the protagonist, Valerio brings food to someone hiding in the room full of junk, but it's empty as soon as his idyllic family set-up is shattered. When he first meets Christian, he appears out of nowhere, then disappears as soon as his mother calls him. Also when he ditches school with Christian, the school bullies let him go without a fuss. Is Christian imaginary? Or that's how Valerio remembers it.

What I like about the most is how their friendship develops. Valerio(Mattia Garaci) and Christian(Francesco Gheghi) are two fresh faces with the latter has slightly more credit as he's little older too. They acted so well together, it's not hard to believe why Valerio desperately need him and vice versa. Since I'm not familiar with Italian cinema(this is my first Italian movie to be honest), Alfonso(Pierfrancesco Favino) is the only actor I'd recognize, but I will pay attention to the future endeavor from these two young talented actors.

Valerio is a happy yet lonely boy needs a lot of growing up to do. Christian is a street-wise and confident, yet longing for the love of the family. Their friendship dynamic somewhat reminds me of "Let the right one in"(2008), a vulnerable and sensitive Oskar and confident yet mysterious Eli with a hidden agenda. Ending isn't quite clear and both grown-up boys don't seem to be happy nor successful. That's why this friendship real or imagenary that Valerio longed for must have helped him through out his life. Highly recommend!!