The Hand of God

The Hand of God is a 2021 Italian film directed by the acclaimed Paolo Sorrentino, known for his breakout film "Il Divo" and his landmark series "The Young Pope". The film, heavily autobiographical and drawing from the director’s own experiences, is a beautifully shot and masterfully composed coming-of-age tale set in the vibrant city of Naples in the 1980s. The movie features outstanding performances from the ensemble cast, notably Filippo Scotti, Toni Servillo, and Teresa Saponangelo.

Set in the pivotal decade of the 1980s, the film offers a semi-autobiographical retelling of Sorrentino’s teenage years, wrapped in the context of the social, cultural, and political climate of Naples and Italy at the time. The film centers around the young protagonist, Fabietto Schisa, portrayed by Filippo Scotti, who is navigating the trials and tribulations of adolescence while also dealing with the complexities of his own eccentric family.

Fabietto's world is populated by charismatic characters, each distinct and bursting with life. There’s his loving but tragically unfulfilled mother Maria, brilliantly portrayed by Teresa Saponangelo. There's his father, Saverio, played by Toni Servillo, a charming yet enigmatic figure whose actions sometimes baffle his own family. A host of other vividly drawn figures populate Fabietto's world- eccentric relatives, his best friend and his elder brother Marchino, who has his own unique set of issues.

Even amidst the circus of life, Fabietto has one abiding passion - his adoration for football, specifically his loyalty towards SSC Napoli and his adulation of the legendary footballer Diego Maradona. These moments of innocence and awe present a delightful juxtaposition with the absurdity of his family life and the curveballs that adolescence throws at him.

The Hand of God also explores the tragic and unexpected circumstances that befall Fabietto’s life, showing how these critical moments often intertwine with the most common, ordinary situations in the most unexpected ways. Without going into specifics, the incidents lead to drastic changes in Fabietto's life - altering his perception of family, love, and life itself - shaping him and preparing him for his future.

The 1980's Napoli serves as an omnipresent, impactful character in the film and Sorrentino handles it with a real sense of place. The soundtrack of the film revolves around the 1980s music, functioning as a historical footnote and setting the perfect tone for the heart-wrenching emotional ride that the audience embark upon. The cinematography is a sight to behold, capturing the subtleties of every scene and framing Napoli in its entire raw, rugged beauty.

The film vividly exemplifies Sorrentino's trademark style: an amalgamation of the absurd with the mundane, turning everyday life situations into theatrical ones, and giving an artistic flavor to the simplest of scenes. The director's expertise shines through in his ability to balance dramatic reality with over-the-top humor, creating a film that is at once deeply moving and subtly comedic.

Despite being steeped in tragedy, The Hand of God is a celebration of life. Sorrentino directs much of his attention to building an authentic atmosphere and in drawing out heartfelt and deeply human performances from his cast. Filippo Scotti’s performance as Fabietto, a role that is equally challenging and inspiring due to its tonal shifts, is especially worth mentioning.

The Hand of God is filled with quirky yet believable characters, which are not merely for entertainment but provide a deep and layered depiction of the environment Fabietto navigates during his formative years. This nostalgic dramatization is often contrasted with poignant crests in the narrative which brings depth and an emotional arch to the characters.

A tender chronicle of youth and an unflinching gaze at the pain that often accompanies growth, The Hand of God is a tribute to the unpredictability of life, anchored by Filippo Scotti's thoughtful performance as Fabietto. The movie is an offering from Sorrentino that is insightful, touching, and thoroughly entertaining in its delivery, encapsulating a narrative that manages to be deeply personal, universally relatable and distinctly Italian. An exploration of family, personal growth, desire, dreams, and destiny, The Hand of God offers a unique cinematic visual and emotional feast that casts a lasting spell.