Blow to the Heart

Italy released, PAL/Region 0 DVD:it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada: LANGUAGES: Italian ( Mono ),English ( Subtitles ),Italian ( Subtitles ),WIDESCREEN (1.66:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Cast/Crew Interview(s), Commentary, Interactive Menu, Music Video, Photo Gallery, Scene Access, Trailer(s),SYNOPSIS: In this rich, complex drama, the threat of terrorism serves as a backdrop to an examination of dysfunctional family relationships. Fausto Rossi portrays neglected teenager Emilio, whose father Dario (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a university professor, introduces him to his student, Giulia (Laura Morante) and her lover, Sandro (Vanni Corbellini). Emilio loves photography, and sets about taking pictures of the pair, soon coming to believe that Giulia and his father are lovers. Because Dario and his son are respectful of each other's privacy to a fault, Emilio can't ask, so he starts to spy. When he finds Sandro dead in the street one day, the apparent victim of a Red Brigade terrorist shooting, Emilio decides to keep an even closer eye on his father. It is never completely confirmed whether Dario and Giulia were really having an affair or whether Dario was involved in terrorism, because these issues are not necessarily director Gianni Amelio's concern. Amelio is concerned with perception, and in this fascinating film he examines his young protagonist's multi-faceted interpretations of an elusive truth, revealing that such a thing may not even exist. This is a powerful, absorbing film for thoughtful viewers in search of a challenge. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: David Donatello Awards, Product Description

What would you do in this situation?

This is a very original film and perhaps the only one which has dealt with such demolishing and intriguing dilemma.

A magnificent student of the Sorbonne, at the last Semester to make the grade; his father is a Titular docent of the same University, who is a convinced Communist. The hard times of the French May. A terrible state of emotional tension exits in the familiar nucleus.

His father is an implacable activist that diffuses material of high caliber against the corrupted system. Eventually the maxim authorities, absolutely persuaded his father is one of the most prominent leaders of this movement will defy this son with a challenging proposal.

The rest of this picture runs for you. This film to my mind shared honors among the ten best films of the Eighties.

Go for this excellent and absorbing drama that will shock you even days after you watch it.

Without any hesitation this is the supreme masterpiece of Gianni Amelio.

May 18, 2006

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