This is a surprisingly good movie from Sicily. It is really well made and enjoyable from plot to performances, locations etc... almost a fable where the prince needs to save his princess.
Highly recommended if you like world cinema!
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marcofranchino18 May 2020
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A low budget indie film that is more finely put together than it has any right to be, Alessio Micieli's star Cristiano Rolando does not fit anyone's idea of a leading man, and certainly not, at first glance, someone who could carry a whole movie. The opening scene of him in prison establishes the tone, one of a charismatic individual, uneducated and unskilled for normal society but certainly in possession of the requisite street smarts to navigate the most challenging social circumstances. Once out of prison, he encounters exaggerated characters and situations throughout the film- bumbling police detectives at the local precinct and working class but good-natured fools, like the one who picks him up while hitchhiking and who he eventually befriends. But along the way he also touches on more serious issues, such as agricultural purveyors keen on exploiting the most exploitable, like African migrants. When arriving back to his dilapidated country house, he discovers a squatter-a victim of the sex trade. He accommodates her, first out of pity, then, because of his own limited options in romantic prospects, out of sheer solitude(and convenience). This relationship is the weakest link of the script-the female protagonist is not given much personality and not much to say, she is attractive but also easy to take advantage of, and despite his charm and good intentions, or maybe because of them, Rolando succumbs to the predictable outcome(though this plot hole is redeemed towards the end). The actor playing Angelica is clearly a non-professional, and the local language-deficient character suits her amateur status. A side plot involving his relationship with a "cool" priest whom he confides in is too on the nose, but Micieli can be forgiven for showing us that Rolando wears his heart on his sleeve. The plot starts to heat up as he gets involved with a local mobster, due mainly to fatigue resulting from the lack of regular employment opportunities. The most clever aspect of the film is how this angle is played out. We're given hints as to the potential danger Rolando may be involved in, filtered through the comically performed police POV. Drugs are probably involved, and Rolando eventually gets in way over his head regarding the shady activities his new employer is dealing in, always minding, and fearing, a potential return to prison. When he discovers, too late, just what kind of trade he's facilitating, his conscience gets the better of him and concocts a way to bail himself and others involved, which requires sacrificing his own relationships. An unexpected ending reminds the viewer that the charm, frequent comical asides and light-heartedness displayed throughout the movie disguises its ingenious plot construction and character arc-Cristiano, in the end, despite his record and missteps in life, maintains a clean conscience, and he lands, with a thud, back on square one. The cinematography, editing and camera work are curiously top-notch, with fine performances all around. An endearing, mini-masterpiece.
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francoocchi13 October 2018Very entertaining and yet a reflection of the Italian unindustrialized south with the struggles that people go through everyday
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lyliaedexel21 October 2018Saw the first one and loved it, but I wasn't expecting the second one, Cristiano Rolando, to be so deep and mature. I went for a laugh and ended up with so much more and could not stop talking about it with my friends and family. It's a passionate project that was able to grow in a harsh territory, amazing new faces that got involved an brought out the most of it with their interpretation and personality. A storyline that will surprise you and an ending that made me cry without expecting it, at all. A movie definitely worth seeing, for the serious side of it and for the fun side of it.. but especially for the credits scene!
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mparis-0568012 October 2018Best indie movie ever seen. Congratulations on your film Alessio Micieli, you are one of the most talented directors I've ever met. Even being Spanish, you have been able to get me involved into the Sicilian culture. With your film, you make me understand your lifestyle, your day-to-day, your awesome sense of humour. The screenplay, characters and the scenography immersed myself in the movie. The comprehensible language and the use of subtitles when using Sicilian dialect make the movie be accessible to everyone. Thanks again for filling up our free time with such an amazing film.
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andrexm12 October 2018This Indipendent Movie deserves to be seen several times. Action, fun, feeling! All contained in a masterpiece signed by Alessio Micieli. Congratulations to the actors and the director who have made the saga. An independent film where the images and the smallest details are stressed in such a way as to make the movie beautiful to see, scene after scene! WELL DONE !!!