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Children of the Night

Children of the Night (2016)

Somewhere in the bleak Italian Alps is an isolated boarding school for troubled boys of the ultra privileged. 17-year old Giulio is sent there by his mother and finds himself instantly at odds with both his peers and the staff until the arrival of the eccentric Eduordo. The pair bond over their mutual desire for escape, which they eventually do, and run away to a nightclub in the middle of the woods. There they meet Elena, a young prostitute whose destiny will be unforgettably linked to theirs. For the boys, the night is full of freedom, disturbing experiences, and secrets. But what they discover about their experiences, and their school, may be the biggest secret of all.

Directed by Andrea De Sica

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Andrea De Sica
Writer
  • Mariano Di Nardo
  • Andrea De Sica
Producer
  • Gregorio Paonessa
  • Marta Donzelli

Reviews

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Children of the Night examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Andrea De Sica brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Children of the Night took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2016, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Children of the Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Serenity, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Children of the Night subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Mona Lisa and The Shadow explore similar territory, Children of the Night stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 23, 2016
  • Runtime: 1h 30m
  • Revenue: $42,516

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads

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