The Hand of God

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 15, 2021

Genre
Drama, Coming-of-Age

Cast & Crew

• Filippo Scotti as Fabietto Schisa
• Toni Servillo as Saverio Schisa
• Teresa Saponangelo as Maria Schisa
• Luisa Ranieri as Patrizia
• Renato Carpentieri as Alfredo
• Marlon Joubert as Marchino Schisa

Director
Paolo Sorrentino

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Great Beauty (2013)
• Youth (2015)
• The Young Pope (2016) (TV series)

Producer
Paolo Sorrentino, Lorenzo Mieli

Writer
Paolo Sorrentino

Budget
€10 million (estimated)

Production Company
Netflix, The Apartment, Fremantle

Running Time
130 minutes

Languages
Italian (with English subtitles)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Nudity
• Sexual content
• Strong language
• Themes of grief and loss

Movie Story
“The Hand of God” is an evocative and deeply personal coming-of-age drama set in Naples during the 1980s. The film is written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino, and it is heavily inspired by his own life experiences. The story follows Fabietto Schisa (Filippo Scotti), a shy and introspective teenager who navigates the complexities of family, love, and loss while growing up in a vibrant yet chaotic city.

At the heart of the story is Fabietto’s deep passion for soccer, particularly his admiration for the legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, whose arrival in Naples brings hope and excitement to the city’s residents. However, Fabietto’s life takes a tragic turn when a sudden and devastating accident claims the lives of his parents, Saverio (Toni Servillo) and Maria (Teresa Saponangelo). The event forces Fabietto to confront the harsh realities of adulthood and question his future.

Through his grief, Fabietto finds solace in cinema and the arts, which become a pathway for him to process his emotions and ultimately discover his purpose in life. The film explores themes of fate, the randomness of life, and the search for meaning in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. It also highlights the beauty and complexity of Naples, with its rich culture, eccentric characters, and breathtaking landscapes.

“The Hand of God” is a reflection on the power of art and the human spirit to endure and find beauty even in the darkest of times. Sorrentino’s signature style—marked by striking visuals, lush cinematography, and a blend of humor and melancholy—shines throughout the film, making it a poignant and immersive experience.

Special Effects
“The Hand of God” does not rely heavily on special effects, focusing instead on the natural beauty of its settings and the raw, emotional performances of its cast. The film’s visual style is rich and detailed, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Naples and the intimate moments of Fabietto’s life. The cinematography, by Daria D’Antonio, plays a crucial role in conveying the film’s mood, using light, color, and composition to evoke the nostalgia and bittersweet emotions that permeate the story.

Box Office Performance
As a Netflix production, “The Hand of God” had a limited theatrical release before being made available on the streaming platform. It received critical acclaim, particularly for its direction, cinematography, and Filippo Scotti’s performance as Fabietto. The film resonated with audiences and critics alike, especially those familiar with Sorrentino’s work and the themes of Italian cinema. It was also Italy’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 94th Academy Awards.

Filming Locations

• Naples, Italy
• Rome, Italy

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t believe in destiny, but I believe in what happens.” – Alfredo
• “Reality is lousy. The future is always better.” – Marchino Schisa

Behind-the-Scenes
Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God” is a deeply autobiographical film, with many elements drawn directly from his own life, including the tragic loss of his parents and his passion for cinema. The title refers to the famous phrase associated with Diego Maradona, whose influence looms large in the film as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the young Fabietto. Sorrentino has described the film as his most personal work, and it serves as a tribute to his roots in Naples and the people who shaped his early life. The film’s casting, particularly Filippo Scotti as the young Sorrentino stand-in, was crucial in capturing the authenticity and emotional depth of the story.

Awards

• Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival
• Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards
• Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards

Final Verdict
“The Hand of God” is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that showcases Paolo Sorrentino’s talent for blending personal history with universal themes. The film’s exploration of grief, love, and the search for meaning is both intimate and epic, set against the backdrop of a vividly portrayed Naples. With strong performances, particularly from Filippo Scotti, and stunning cinematography, “The Hand of God” is a compelling and moving experience that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. It is a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age stories and Italian cinema.

IMDb Rating
7.4/10