Oscar-winning director Gabriele Salvatores adapted an unfinsihed Federico Fellini film treatment, completed it, and added his own penchant for comedy and drama. The result is a heartwarming, lavishly styled picaresque tale about two Neapolitcan children who stow away on a cruise liner bound for New York.
2024 | 123 mins | Comedy, Drama | Italy | Italian with English subtitles
CAST | Pierfrancesco Favino, Tomas Arana, Omar Benson, Anna Lucia Pierro
In 1949, the Italian city of Naples lies in ruins after the devastation of WWII. Amidst the poverty and rubble-strewn streets of the city, two children, Carmine and Celestina, try to survive as best they can by helping each other. Like so many others, they dream of going to America.
After a chance encounter with a steamship’s chef, one night, they secretly stow themselves away on a ship bound for New York to reach Celestina’s sister, who emigrated to America several years earlier. On board, Carmine and Celestina join the many Italian emigrants seeking a new, better life in America.
On the run from the Italian purser (Pierfrancesco Favino), the pair eventually arrive in an unknown metropolis, which, after several misadventures, they eventually learn to call home.
The young actors live up tot he tradition of incredible performances that back to The Bicycle Thieves while Pierfrancesco Favino’s performances as the ship’s chief officer is wonderfully playful.
Salvatores celebrates, with obvious glee, many of the feel-good, sentimental and neo-realist tropes of 20th century cinema. The result is a grand film that is moving, amusing and both visually and narratively unique.
A film that can be truly enjoyed by the whole family or Italian film connoisseurs.
A moving exploration of migration, identity, and the bittersweet search for belonging
Natasha Senjanovic. The Hollywood Reporter
WINNER
Best Visual Effects, David di Donatello Awards
WINNER
David of Youth Award
WINNER
Best Score, Golden Globes Italy