It's a really beautiful movie, especially the visuals. You don't see the typical Napoli, the one from the post cards or the tourism agencies. Instead you see the real one, the poor families, the mafia, the struggle, and most importantly, the desire of the people to survive. It felt so real, I never lived what the characters went through but at some moments, it really felt like the things on screen had happened to me before. The writing is also really good, the way the elements are brought is not heavy, and even if we don't have all the cards to understand at the beginning, we don't feel left out. Things we see at the beginning of the movie make sense when they happen, and even more sense once we get the full picture. It was also refreshing to see bits of Arabic culture, instead of having a really cliché view of it. I loved watching it, but i think if i had to watch it on my own, instead that at the movie theater, I wouldn't have been 100% focused on it and I guess I would have been bored at some point. Despite that, I still recommend it.
14 Reviews
A 7 nearing an 8
sps-7065930 September 2022
Naples, Camorra, crime, revenge. You feel as if not much can be added. But Martone gives it a good shake, and mostly succeeds. Some elements - the returning Neapolitan's aged mother - seem fresh and touching. Others - the priest who has the whole district on a string - are not new.
You can sort of half-guess the ending, and as it drew closer, I'm murmuring, let's not go there. If you reinterpret the ending as opportunistic rather than planned, nostalgic rather than spiteful, that might help get you over the line.
For pop connoisseurs, there's an obscure psychedelic 1967 track. Not 13th Floor Elevators, or Cryan' Shames, but "Greengrass" by The Ones.
You can sort of half-guess the ending, and as it drew closer, I'm murmuring, let's not go there. If you reinterpret the ending as opportunistic rather than planned, nostalgic rather than spiteful, that might help get you over the line.
For pop connoisseurs, there's an obscure psychedelic 1967 track. Not 13th Floor Elevators, or Cryan' Shames, but "Greengrass" by The Ones.
Nostalgia
CinemaSerf26 March 2023
Pierfrancesco Favino is "Felice", who returns to his native Naples to find his elderly mother "Teresa" (Aurora Quattrocchi) living in a basement apartment, rarely washing and taking much care of herself. He determines to hang around and help her get back on her feet whilst at the same time working with the local priest "Luigi" (Francesco Di Leva) to reunite with his childhood friend "Spasiano" (Tommaso Ragno) who has meantime become the elusive local criminal kingpin. It has been many a year since "Felice" could consider himself a local, and the city is largely new and unfamiliar to him, as is the angry and violent criminal fraternity that holds much of the place in it's grip. Can he meet and reconcile with his erstwhile friend? Is he even safe to do so? This is a great looking film capturing well the beauty and the turmoil of this ancient city whilst director Mario Martone offers us a chance to relive some of the memories this, now Muslim and married, visitor recalls as he retraces many of the steps of his childhood. There is very little joy in this film, it's a rather depressing affair that at times really does labour the despair facing many in this community. That's not to say it isn't worth watching, but after a while I felt drained and a bit confused before an ending that I couldn't quite get my head around. Anger? Spite? Pity, even? It's a long watch and I probably wouldn't ever watch it again - but I am glad that I did, once.
Judgement story
avindugunasinghe27 February 2023
It's a cross section of the human lives, memories dissolved in miseries give birth to the bittersweet Nostalgia. A powerful beautiful tale about a man revisiting the memories he wanted to forget. Such clever sincere heartfelt performances by the cast the weight people carry on shoulders, the weight of guilt is animated well by Favino. Cinematography is excellent, great work in capturing the beauty of the Naples. It's a slow burn with subtle daramtic nature, the abrupt conclusion after the long anticipated pounce of the badman was an excellent way to draw the curtains. It's a well written critique on naivety driven by selfishness.
A really good movie
CarolineFR6920 January 2023
This is the kind of movie that is very strange to me. Don't tell that to anyone, but coming from a Sicilian family, anything that happens in a city where the Napolitan mafia scares everyone, looks very familiar. Felice left Napoli 40 years before, and comes back to a city that looks like what he remembers, but feels completely different. He first comes back to see his dying mom, and spend some times with her before going back to his wife in Egypt. After 40 years, Felice has become Muslim, and has troubles speaking Italian (he usually speaks Arabic). He comes back to a Catholic Napoli, where the Catholic priest is leading the war against the Camorra, and its boss 'O malommo' (the bad man). Felice reminisces about his past, about an 'Oreste' that was his best friend, who defended him and helped him in every way, and you wonder what happened to him. As you go through his childhood in Napoli, the parallel is made with current Napoli, with the Catholic priest showing Felice that not everything is great, but that he is trying and giving everything he can to the kids of the neighbourhood, so that they get out of the Camorra's influence. The actors are great, and the story all too familiar to me, and I really liked that movie. Yes, the ending is expected, but it couldn't have been any other way.
A means to an end
ducroz-0435011 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I've noticed that many here seem to struggle with the end of the film and find it disappointing, but to me it's the only sensible and logical end. Yes, it's abrupt, cold and bleak, but that's the whole point. If you don't understand it, in my opinion you miss the essence of the story. Felice is the own actor of his downfall here, nobody else.
From the first to the last minute, we follow Felice's viewpoint, but his vision is an illusion and the last moments of the film are a return to reality. He's very much the captive of his nostalgia and it's a story how nostalgia can blind you. Every single person he meets in this film tells him to leave, yet he prefers to stick to his romanticized bubble of adolescent friendship and dream of making bad good again. One of the most telling scenes of the film is the dinner with the Camorra family. In the reactions and faces of everybody around, you can almost viscerally feel the abyss between Felice's world and the reality of the situation.
The great irony of the story is that Felice acted rationally when he was 15, but totally irrationally 40 years later as a grown man. What he did at 15 may not be particularly noble, but it was sensible. To think that there would still be a special bond with O Malommo after all these years is a delusion that only he believed. Let's not be foolish here, from Oreste's point of view Felice is a traitor and he has enough reasons to want to get his revenge on him. It's Felice who broke their friendship, not Oreste, And he's a liar, he's been talking too much, and to the wrong persons, and Oreste knows it. So is Oreste's action at the end unexpected? No, except if we follow Felice's own bubble world (and that's also both the power and perversity of the film). Why do you think O Malommo was able able to become and stay the boss of the Sanita for so long? Because he's always put his own skin first, whatever it takes. His survival instinct is almost animalistic. And the failure of Felice's to understand this very fact could only end this way, however sad it is.
From the first to the last minute, we follow Felice's viewpoint, but his vision is an illusion and the last moments of the film are a return to reality. He's very much the captive of his nostalgia and it's a story how nostalgia can blind you. Every single person he meets in this film tells him to leave, yet he prefers to stick to his romanticized bubble of adolescent friendship and dream of making bad good again. One of the most telling scenes of the film is the dinner with the Camorra family. In the reactions and faces of everybody around, you can almost viscerally feel the abyss between Felice's world and the reality of the situation.
The great irony of the story is that Felice acted rationally when he was 15, but totally irrationally 40 years later as a grown man. What he did at 15 may not be particularly noble, but it was sensible. To think that there would still be a special bond with O Malommo after all these years is a delusion that only he believed. Let's not be foolish here, from Oreste's point of view Felice is a traitor and he has enough reasons to want to get his revenge on him. It's Felice who broke their friendship, not Oreste, And he's a liar, he's been talking too much, and to the wrong persons, and Oreste knows it. So is Oreste's action at the end unexpected? No, except if we follow Felice's own bubble world (and that's also both the power and perversity of the film). Why do you think O Malommo was able able to become and stay the boss of the Sanita for so long? Because he's always put his own skin first, whatever it takes. His survival instinct is almost animalistic. And the failure of Felice's to understand this very fact could only end this way, however sad it is.
Back to the roots
searchanddestroy-119 August 2023
This is a plot which has already been used before: the lead character who comes back home after many years away and who suddenly finds out all the changes that occured during his - or her - absence. Italian movies have already given us such topics: FORGET PALERMO. Or French LE FILS from Pierre Granier Deferra, starring Yves Montand. More or less same scheme. This movie which I review now is full of nostaligia, as its title says, It is not a crime film, but a drama with some social elements about Italy today. With of course the Mafia and church influence on the Italian society. It is rather dark, a bit gloomy but beautiful, really worth the view. Flawless acting and directing too; excellent camera work.
Even smells like Naples
rawyaroumieh4 May 2023
Beautiful film, intense characters. I was in la Sanita recently and actually spent time at the church of Don Luigi in the film and heard all about the Catholic local church movement rehabilitating the catacombs and the area, and the youth reclaming their neighbourhood. Naples has a soul and Nostalgia portrays that well. Loved that the film did not sugarcoat the city, and kept grit and all... the filming conveys a true to life filter. The real Naples still reeks of its history of violence and behind the Italian cliche romance, a lot of people have lived in fear. Beautiful movie and flowing acting. Loved the Oreste character portrayal. Nice fusion of Arabic culture as well.
One man's nostalgia isn't reality
rkswbg17 March 2023
I saw this movie during a long flight and really liked it. I have watched most Italian movies and TV shows where the Camorra is a almost a character. I am also a fan of the writing and art of Roberto Saviano. This one too has the Camorra in it but only as the backdrop, and almost never in the center of the frame. The issues facing Naples are all there but without the usual violence. Stylistically this movie is in line with other top class Italian movies as in the visuals are beautiful, the acting understated and the music selection is superb. I've got "Ya Abyad Ya Eswed" by Cairokee in a loop ever since I heard it in the movie.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Embraces the consequences of time!
alexanderliljefors4 June 2023
Wow! A true masterpirce of cinematography!
This is a touching story showing the genuine power of time and its consequences.
Embraces the true feeling of nostalgia and memories, evem if aaccepting the new reality is difficult and not the reality you wished for, ehn coming back to your city of youth and to not know where you identify as your home.
It explores how time changes us as individuals and how our actings is based on our different experiences in life. Only to live up to the present of time in this moment.
Beautifully filmed and amazing manuscript aswell as the flowing acting. Interesting and deep characters.
Fantastic music!
The memory flashbacks is very well made and edited into the storyline!
Amazing and beautiful storytelling!
A difficult film to watch that really shows the difficulties when you no longer can trust your own mind and will and the accepta ce of the new reality.
The environment is also perfect and stunning filming and views of the city.
PURE ART!
I really recommend it!
This is a touching story showing the genuine power of time and its consequences.
Embraces the true feeling of nostalgia and memories, evem if aaccepting the new reality is difficult and not the reality you wished for, ehn coming back to your city of youth and to not know where you identify as your home.
It explores how time changes us as individuals and how our actings is based on our different experiences in life. Only to live up to the present of time in this moment.
Beautifully filmed and amazing manuscript aswell as the flowing acting. Interesting and deep characters.
Fantastic music!
The memory flashbacks is very well made and edited into the storyline!
Amazing and beautiful storytelling!
A difficult film to watch that really shows the difficulties when you no longer can trust your own mind and will and the accepta ce of the new reality.
The environment is also perfect and stunning filming and views of the city.
PURE ART!
I really recommend it!
Beautiful movie, disappointed by the end.
loris-francoletti13 December 2023
The story feels real, an immigrant coming back home to look after his mother and think about when he was young. The movie is a very well shot. Very good cinematography. The actors are good. You really want to walk in these roads and lanes. Drive a scooter in Naples. Great Casting too, with all the young people.
But I was very disappointed by the end. I found it somehow simplistic and/or rushed. Like "oh the movie is already long enough lets end it here right now". Was that the only direction for the story to go? I was expecting a more "open" ending, where you are actually wondering what is happening to the main characters.
But I was very disappointed by the end. I found it somehow simplistic and/or rushed. Like "oh the movie is already long enough lets end it here right now". Was that the only direction for the story to go? I was expecting a more "open" ending, where you are actually wondering what is happening to the main characters.
The longing in the heart
dakjets12 November 2023
Home is where the heart is?
The protagonist of this beautiful Italian film is hunting for what once was. Pierfrancesco Favino plays Felice, who returns to his hometown of Naples after 40 years. He finds that the city has not changed since he hastily left there as a 15-year-old. Well, that's what he believes and his naive upbringing of his hometown is conveyed to us as viewers. We would like to believe him. But sense problems. Felice almost ran away after a serious incident involving both him and his best friend growing up. The filmmakers take a long time to tell us what happened, and I won't give away anything here.
The film shows with insight what different path choices do to people over time. It's just that the protagonist fails to take this perspective into account. He longs to return to something that no longer exists.
The film is slow and lingering. Beautifully photographed. Excellent acting performances from all the cast. I understand very well that this was Italy's Oscar candidate the year it came out.
Watch it because you want to see Naples through the eyes and feelings of the main character. Watch it because it's something different from 90 percent of what goes on in theaters and is streamed. Here are real emotions, hope, longing and sadness.
The protagonist of this beautiful Italian film is hunting for what once was. Pierfrancesco Favino plays Felice, who returns to his hometown of Naples after 40 years. He finds that the city has not changed since he hastily left there as a 15-year-old. Well, that's what he believes and his naive upbringing of his hometown is conveyed to us as viewers. We would like to believe him. But sense problems. Felice almost ran away after a serious incident involving both him and his best friend growing up. The filmmakers take a long time to tell us what happened, and I won't give away anything here.
The film shows with insight what different path choices do to people over time. It's just that the protagonist fails to take this perspective into account. He longs to return to something that no longer exists.
The film is slow and lingering. Beautifully photographed. Excellent acting performances from all the cast. I understand very well that this was Italy's Oscar candidate the year it came out.
Watch it because you want to see Naples through the eyes and feelings of the main character. Watch it because it's something different from 90 percent of what goes on in theaters and is streamed. Here are real emotions, hope, longing and sadness.
A dedication of love
mariapiacostagliola29 March 2023
An excellent photograph that tell of the love for a city seen with respect that can be shown to an elderly mother and that the protagonist has been forced to abandon both. The friendship of a brotherly friend convinces him to return to settle the misunderstandings. Felice wants to feel in his body the passion and ardor of his city he savored as a child and that with the elegance of medium shot shots throughout the city the director Martone has been able to inject into his veins like the blood flow of the alleys that will give him strength and energy to choose whether to stay at a high price. Maria Pia.
Such an amazing film
RoyMince27 September 2023
Well, first, let me start off by saying this this film was at sometimes very difficult to watch because it hits so close to home. Now let me be clear. This plant is already been done plenty of times, but the acting and deliverance almost gives it a fresh feel . This is one of those movies where the lead actor does a very great job into drawing you went to the film, mixed with some amazing shots makes this one of those movies that you would on in your DVD or Blu-ray collection. I personally would give this film two thumbs up..
Kudos to the cast and crew, job well done and I would definitely recommend this film to this who are junkies of the genre.
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