The world is certainly a funny place when you are a kid. Everything is new, the smallest things inspire curiosity, and those close to us provide the best of intent. Still, a child can sense when someone, or something, isn’t just right–and yet, he/she will still try to maintain a playful, and optimistic outlook.
Michele (Giuseppe Cristiano), the protagonist in “”I’m Not Scared”” (also called “”Io non ho paura””) is a boy growing up in southern Italy in 1978. During the summer, where the country is facing record heat, and a period when history shows the country has just gotten over a serious tragedy (the film makes somewhat reference to this…in its own way), the fifth-grader spends his days hanging out with his friends, and playing in the scenic fields near his home. He and his sister Maria (Giulia Matturo) are carefree while their mother Anna (Aitana Sanchez-Gitjon) tries to keep them out of trouble and their dad Pino (Dino Abbrescia) is often away on business–though still popping in to bring presents and arm wrestle his son.One day, after spending time with their pals, Maria notices her glasses missing and has her brother retrieve them. Upon returning to the abandoned house where they spend much of their time, Michele discovers the glasses above something resembling a metal plate–and a place that is attracting a lot of ants too. Being curious, he lifts it up and discovers a hole, or cave rather (“”filled with gold and germs”” as he puts it) and finds…a person’s foot, coming out from under a blanket.As he has to return to his sister, and head home with her to dinner, Michele leaves this mystery temporarily behind. This does inspire his imagination, as he recites stories at night under the sheets (!?!) before going to bed. So, the next day, he returns to the hole, and learns some more about what is there…Over the course of the movie, it’s revealed that Michele’s simple world of vast fields, toy cars, and overall playfulness, is well—not so simple. The things he is familiar with, family, the village he lives in, his pals, and the animals–oh, the animals around seem to contribute much here, whether symbolism or just the mood–seem to be altered, as things become more surreal, and he wonders what kind of morals the people around him have. There is also the issue of the expense of his lifestyle, at what cost—how does his father manage to buy him such a nice toy boat/music box–or ‘gondola’ (as his father points out)–and who are these people who keep dropping by, especially Sergio (Diego Abatantuono).As strange things development, Michele reacts more withdrawn, even dropping out of a game of ‘red light, green light’ with his friends. Still, he maintains a relative calm throughout, not entirely grasping what is going on until later, or the danger involved. He is about to reveal the information he knows to his friend Salvatore (Stefano Biase)–in exchange for a small Matchbox-esque car.[pagebreak]Although the film is not science-fiction, it pits the lead character in a situation where virtually every adult around, parents included, is untrustworthy, and he figures that those around that he does trust will not believe his findings. For a kid, these uncoverings (quite literally) seem unbelievable. Michele, despite his tender age, has to take charge of matters himself, and piece together what is going on.The film, directed by Gabriele Salvatores (who also helmed “”Mediterraneo””), and based on a novel by Niccolo Ammaniti (who also co-wrote the film’s screenplay), has much to offer– from the engrossing story, to the acting (especially young Cristiano, and also Mattia Di Pierro). It helps, however, to know a little something about Italy, and its recent history. This includes the divisions and biases that exist between southern Italians and their northern counterparts–the North being more industrial and well-to-do, while the South is more rural, impoverished, and generally viewed as backward by the North (sound familiar?).The geographic issues comes into play as Sergio visits from Milan (north) and immediately starts to take charge over his colleagues in the South, including Michele’s family. The events that take place in “”I’m Not Scared”” also exemplify the desperation of some Southerners in attempting to get some of the money from the North their way. The irony here is that those involved wind up neglecting those they hope to benefit.In 1978, Italy also witnessed the loss of political leader Aldo Moro, presumed to be the country’s next president, through violent circumstances. He was kidnapped and murdered by a group called the Red Brigades. His death, and cover-up regarding its specifics, was disheartening to the country, especially since Moro tried to bring opposing factions together (“”I’m Not Scared”” doesn’t mention these events specifically, but seems to refer to them in its own way).Even without the knowledge of Italian events, the film offers much. In addition to the acting and the story, much kudos goes to the cinematography in giving a look at the scenic fields and hills around the main character’s home. This would almost be a good travelogue for visiting the area, if not for the depressing things that occur. There is also plenty in the way of symbols/metaphors, especially with the use of animals, whether it’s a dead snake that Michele encounters in the road with his bike, or an owl catching a mouse late in the movie. Owls, snakes, and even a local farmer’s (Michele Vasca) pigs appear menacing during the latter moments of the flick. Animals aren’t the only ones used here to large effect–there are interesting shots, among others, of a waft of smoke (emanating from a burning cigarette) and a doll floating in some water.The film has plenty of moments to interpret, and it may take multiple viewings to grasp all that is being represented here. It certainly provides much in the way of discussion, but also requires one to be aware of what’s going on, and what’s being said. Also, those looking for a more ‘Hollywood-ish’ turn of events might want to look elsewhere.Those who are up for a physically and narrative rich experience will find what they are seeking here, however, and maybe a learn a thing or too social-geographic concerns in Italy (though knowing about this nation going into the film definitely helps). There is plenty for the eyes and the mind. “”I’m Not Scared”” doesn’t deal with the most pleasant of topics, to put it one way, but it presents its story and related messages well.Grade: A-EM Reviewby Andrew Haas4/23/04