jmontgomery0182’s review published on Letterboxd:
Coming-of-Age Dream Sequence
The Hand of God by Paolo Sorrentino is a touching and intensely intimate movie that delves into the director's own childhood recollections and experiences in Naples in the 1980s. The 2021 Netflix release is a magnificent work of art that masterfully combines storytelling and cinematic methods to convey the complexity of life, love, and grief.
The main character in "The Hand of God," a young kid named Fabietto Schisa, who aspires to be a filmmaker, is at the center of this coming-of-age tale. The film immerses the audience in the bright and chaotic world of the city, with its colorful characters, busy streets, and vibrant energy, against the backdrop of Naples in the 1980s.
The emotional impact of the story is brilliantly conveyed by Sorrentino's direction, which is nothing short of magnificent. The movie is a visual feast that never fails to enthrall, from the breathtaking opening sequence—which includes a helicopter shot of Naples' buildings—through to the film’s moving ending scenes.
The acting is equally superb, with young actor Filippo Scotti giving an expert performance as Fabietto. His portrayal is endearing and moving at the same time, evoking the agony and confusion of loss and the innocence and gullibility of youth.
The seamless blending of elements of reality and fiction in "The Hand of God" is one of its most impressive features. Sorrentino creates a universe that is both familiar and otherworldly using dreamy sequences, surreal images, and magical realism. This is especially clear in the film's breathtaking beach scenes, which manage to be both lovely and melancholy.
In the end, "The Hand of God" is a movie that defies simple classification. It is an exceptionally honest and vulnerable work of art that addresses the themes of life, death, and love. Although watching the movie is not always simple, it is a very satisfying experience that the viewer will remember long after the credits have finished. The Hand of God is a must-see if you enjoy Italian cinema, coming-of-age tales, or just outstanding filmmaking.