Flight of the Innocent

Rating:
Summary: The Complete Spectrum of Visual Splendor and Squalor
Review: Hard to believe that this film, the first movie created by Italian director Carlo Carlei, has been around since 1992! FLIGHT OF THE INNOCENT may be too simplistic for some viewers, but if you can accept the fact that the world through a child's eyes can retain a sense of beauty despite all the tragedy that fate can impart, then this film will leave you breathless. Succinctly told, this is an Italian story of vendetta - familial murdering that goes beyond the brutality of war. The introduction suggests that in 1966 the 'art of kidnapping for money' was rampant in Italy (take a look at South America and the Middle East today!). Vito (Manuel Colao)is a beautiful, dreamy little boy who witnesses the slaughter of his entire family, happens on an evil scar faced kidnapper of a wealthy Roman family's son, sees the boy is dead, is discovered by the killer, and the chase begins. Vito runs, takes trains, rides on the backs of trucks - anything he can do to escape the scar faced villain who is always on his heels. How he brings the truth to the Roman family of the kidnapped son is singularly beautiful in the portrait of guilt by blood and not by deed - and the converse of that concept. The photography is absolutely breathtaking with views of Italy that are as enchanting as any ever filmed. True, the gore of the murders is likewise captured in verismo fashion! But Director Carlei has a fine eye and a keen sense of character development - and has gathered some of the most beautiful Italian actors around: Francesca Neri, Jacques Perrin, Colao to name only a few, and at the same time has envisioned evil in the persona of Federico Pacifici! The ending may be a bit syrupy - but, after all that has gone before, heavy dessert isn't all bad!

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre
Review: Little boy witnesses his entire family gunned down in a small Italian village. He must flee from pursuers and police to save his life, and any chance of creating a family of his own. This film attempts to blend foreign sensitivity with American, "Peckinpah" violence. Although the pacing of this film is enthralling, it fails to create enough tension to keep the viewer interested. Although it may be recognized as an achievement in Europe, it fails to deliver the potent suspenseful moments promised.

Rating:
Summary: An auspicious debut!
Review: This film has suspense, beautiful cinematography, a haunting score and a real sense of style on the part of it's first time director. Well worth taking a look at!

Rating:
Summary: An auspicious debut!
Review: This film has suspense, beautiful cinematography, a haunting score and a real sense of style on the part of it's first time director. Well worth taking a look at!

Rating:
Summary: Moving, lyrical film
Review: This is the rarest of films -- action and violence are present, certainly -- yet, due to the vulnerability of the protagonist, a young boy, the viewer is "brought into" the film in a way that is impossible with the macho, untouchable action heroes that frequently litter such films. The tension and suspense is offset by a lyricism also not present in most "action" films. Ultimately, this is a beautiful, life-affirming film wrapped up in the guise of an action film. A unique film -- don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: Moving, lyrical film
Review: This is the rarest of films -- action and violence are present, certainly -- yet, due to the vulnerability of the protagonist, a young boy, the viewer is "brought into" the film in a way that is impossible with the macho, untouchable action heroes that frequently litter such films. The tension and suspense is offset by a lyricism also not present in most "action" films. Ultimately, this is a beautiful, life-affirming film wrapped up in the guise of an action film. A unique film -- don't miss it.