Cast
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Filippo Scotti
as Fabietto Schisa
Toni Servillo
as Saverio Schisa
Teresa Saponangelo
as Maria Schisa
Luisa Ranieri
as Patrizia
Marlon Joubert
as Marchino Schisa
Massimiliano Gallo
as Franco
Betti Pedrazzi
as Baronessa Focale
Renato Carpentieri
as Alfredo
Enzo De Caro
as San Gennaro
Sofya Gershevich
as Yulia
Lino Musella
as Marriettiello
Biagio Manna
as Armando
Ciro Capano
as Antonio Capuano
Alessandro Bressanello
as Aldo Cavallo
Birte Berg
as Graziella
Crew
Director
- Paolo Sorrentino
Producer
- Paolo Sorrentino
- Lorenzo Mieli
Reviews
badelf
Calling this a "coming-of-age" film is like calling Bud Lite a beer. They're not in the same class. I compare this film to my other favorite re-telling of a seminal childhood memory - Joanna Hogg's Souvenir.
The great Austrian poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, once wrote "For it is not yet the memories themselves. Not till they have turned to blood within us, to glance and gesture, nameless and no longer to be distinguished from ourselves - not till then can it happen that in a most rare hour the first word of a verse arises in their midst and goes forth from them." And that is visible here. Sorrentino writes this film in his own nameless, demential blood. I laughed. I cried. This film is one of those rare captures of the human condition. This is a brilliant piece of storytelling with masterful direction and top-notch acting.
That's all I have to say.
Dec 20, 2021
CinemaSerf
Told largely from the perspective of the young "Fabietto" (Filippo Scotti), this is a charming tale of this youth who lives with elder brother "Marchino" (Marlon Joubert) and his parents "Saverio" (Toni Servillo) and "Maria" (Teresa Saponangelo). Both teenagers are frequently tempted by their somewhat exhibitionist aunt "Patricia" (Luisa Ranieri) a temptation only matched by their (and the entire city of Naples') desire to see Diego Maradona come and play at Napoli. Director Paolo Sorrentino packs quite a lot into this story. Sex, fun, friendship, betrayal, tragedy, beautiful scenery and a sense of family that is usually quite difficult to encapsulate without becoming too sentimental. The young Scotti (who reminded me a lot of Timothée Chalamet) plays well as an archetypal boy - he likes football and girls, but has no idea about the latter; and the engaging character development from boy to man is told quite imaginatively, I felt. No, it doesn't need a big screen - indeed maybe that compromises some of the intimacy of the story, but if you want to see a well crafted, enjoyable to look at story then I'd recommend this.
Mar 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Hand of God 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 Paolo Sorrentino 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 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Hand of God took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 188 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 403 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hand of God shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A History of Violence, which focuses more on action than character development, The Hand of God subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 8 Mile and Billy Elliot explore similar territory, The Hand of God stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 24, 2021
- Runtime: 2h 10m
Where to Watch
