On this page: THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS | LOVE ACCORDING TO DALVA | XX+XY

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Performances have a naturalistic quality, captured by gifted cinematographer Ruben Impens with a remarkable attention to detail. Marinelli gives the bright-eyed Pietro a superb sense of unchanneled energy that becomes more focussed over the years. His chemistry with the wry, bear-like Borghi is powerfully complex, echoing the fine work of child actors Barbiero and Sassella. As the women in their lives, Mazzulo and Panta are excellent, even if their own stories remain largely off-screen.

As the expansive plot rolls on, the film becomes an ode to the nature of friendship and inspiration, as well as a provocative exploration of the things fathers pass on to their children. Both Pietro and Bruno have awkward relationships with their dads, and a key plot point is that Bruno becomes more of a son to Pietro's dad than Pietro ever was. And while the mountaineering metaphor may be stretched to the breaking point, the filmmakers cleverly allow the haunting messages to remain largely unspoken.

themes, language, violence

22.Mar.23

Shifting visibly and emotionally through the story, Samson delivers a remarkably mature performance as a young girl who thinks she's grown-up. Dalva can't understand why nobody will explain anything or listen to what she has to say. Her self-assurance is remarkable, even as it is continually shaken. This perspective viscerally infuses her interaction with the terrific Manenti, who finds his own complex textures in what could have been a thankless role. And as the feisty Samia, Guirassy has magnetic presence tempered by an earthy emotional interior.

This is a profound, defiantly original approach that depicts the fallout from child abuse with insight. The film is notable for turning the gaze away from the perpetrator to explore the inner life of a child who doesn't know she's a victim. The system aims for justice, but Dalva's needs are more urgent than that. So most importantly, Nicot has made a beautiful film that cries out for compassion and patience rather than straining for explanations or answers.

themes, language, violence

28.Feb.23

Ahn reveals Jay's inner life with understated emotion. Jay has never considered themself as a man or a woman, so finds it impossible to choose. Is this decision based on appearance, who they're attracted to or some indefinable internal feeling? Meanwhile, Choi engages in a more broadly comical role as the confused Wooram questions his sexuality. And Kim's opinionated Sera, the only classmate who knows Jay is intersex, mixes lively popular-girl vibes with deeper questions about changes she sees in her friend.

While a thriller-like subplot never feels necessary, the story becomes powerfully moving as it tackles how gender identity and expectations placed on children can create a skewed worldview and a warped self-image. Children need to have the freedom to live without fear and to love who they love. The film's most compelling advice is to live our lives with people who accept us for who we are. Perhaps this is the most important decision we have to make.

themes, language, violence

21.Mar.23 flare