I'M NOT SCARED - MOVIE REVIEW

I'M NOT SCARED - REVIEW

Io non ho paura ( I'm not scared) (Italian,2003)

Director : Gabriele Salvatores

Cast : Giuseppe Cristiano , Mattia di Pierro

On reading my reviews, you might be wondering why I watch a lot of World Cinema . It is simply because Hollywood is not the only place on earth which gives us good movies. And this one is a stellar example.

This movie is yet another children oriented movie , and I admit I do have a soft spot for such movies. The story, set in 1978, revolves around a young boy , Michele ( Cristiano ) , in a village in Southern Italy . He is a normal kid , always playing with his friends and his little sister Maria. One day , he happens to come across a pit in which he sees a young child Filipo (Pierro) , who looks like he has been there for a long time. Michele then realizes that Filipo has been kidnapped and is kept hidden in the pit. The movie then follows their relationship over a few days.

The movie is easily one of the finest I have seen. The compassion which Michele shows towards Filipo , is such a delicate concept to be made into a movie , and the Director succeeds at it. The innocence of young children is portrayed brilliantly in this film. The movie does not have any exaggerated drama going with it , nor does it have any violence . It is a simple film , but manages to make a huge impact.

The acting by the children is such a joy to watch. Though the character of Filipo is very integral to the plot , we don't get to see him too much on screen . But when he does make an appearance , the acting is superb , especially for a child artiste. The movie really takes you on a wonderful trip to the carefree childhood days which we all must have enjoyed. Though set in Italy , the concept is Universal , as it deals with the affection shown by a young boy to another child.

Breathtakingly shot in Southern Italy , the movie takes you for a beautiful ride , and shows how a young boy realizes the hard truth about the game of life , and its players, especially the adults in his village. The relationship between Michele and Filipo definitely strikes a chord. Watch out for the scene in which they both play in the fields. Though not of particular significance to the plot , this scene is easily the best in the movie.

There is no exaggeration in the children's characters. The breach of trust between Michele and one of his friends , will definitely remind you of your childhood days. It is such a natural movie and has very few cliches .

The screenplay is very good , but people who are not accustomed to European Cinema , especially the movies based in the 70's and 80's might find it a bit slow. However , the movie will not bore you. There are a few predictable sequences and you will have some idea of what is going to happen in the next scenes , but you will not notice it all , as all this is concealed under a beautiful and touching story , supported by some great acting .

I will go with 4 out 5 for this superb movie , whose simplicity and natural flavour makes it such a delight to watch.

VERDICT : Brilliant ( 4 / 5)