Beginning in the late 1970s, the title character (played by Adrian Tardiolo) is a young man who is good-hearted though naive. He is a among a community of over fifty people who live and work in tobacco fields in rural Italy. They are exploited by a cigarette company owner.
Firstly, a side comment: this is the second recent film from Italy in which the lead actor has a striking resemblance to Justin Trudeau. This also occurred with Timothée Chalamet in "Call Me By Your Name" released earlier this year. Okay, enough about superficial fluff and on to the review.
The film's first half is fascinating in its depiction of extreme class differences and how the poor can remain pure in their hearts despite their circumstances. The film-makers succeed in making their point in a way that is not syrupy or manipulative. The second half also fascinates in how it shows how the poor get by in very different circumstances in another location, Adding further intrigue are believable elements of mysticism including the use of a wolf as a spirit animal.
The conclusion does not live up to the earlier potential. It includes a scene in which "goodness" is stupidly applied. Further to that is the final scene that is too bizarre and out of place. This is unfortunate as most of the film was quite good. - dbamateurcritic.
Firstly, a side comment: this is the second recent film from Italy in which the lead actor has a striking resemblance to Justin Trudeau. This also occurred with Timothée Chalamet in "Call Me By Your Name" released earlier this year. Okay, enough about superficial fluff and on to the review.
The film's first half is fascinating in its depiction of extreme class differences and how the poor can remain pure in their hearts despite their circumstances. The film-makers succeed in making their point in a way that is not syrupy or manipulative. The second half also fascinates in how it shows how the poor get by in very different circumstances in another location, Adding further intrigue are believable elements of mysticism including the use of a wolf as a spirit animal.
The conclusion does not live up to the earlier potential. It includes a scene in which "goodness" is stupidly applied. Further to that is the final scene that is too bizarre and out of place. This is unfortunate as most of the film was quite good. - dbamateurcritic.