The Keys to the House
by Gianni Amelio
List Price:
Our Price: $6.49
You Save: $8.49 (57%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $0.49 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alla Faerovich, Andrea Rossi, Charlotte Rampling, Kim Rossi Stuart, Pierfrancesco FavinoDirector: Gianni Amelio
Brand: LIONS GATE HOME ENT.
Writer: Gianni Amelio
Producer: Bruno Pésery
Producer: Enzo Porcelli
Producer: Gianfranco Barbagallo
Writer: Giuseppe Pontiggia
Writer: Sandro Petraglia
Writer: Stefano Rulli
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); French (Original Language); German (Original Language); Italian (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 105 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-06-28
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
Movie Reviews of The Keys to the House
Movie Review: The Keys to the House Open the Heart
Summary: 5 Stars
LE CHIAVI DI CASA (THE KEYS TO THE HOUSE) is a brave, humble, simple, eloquent work of art. Director and writer (with Sandro Petraglia) Gianni Amelio has the courage to address a subject that is difficult for most viewers and has created one of the more tender love stories on film. Aided by an incomparably fine cast and a fine cinematographer (Luca Bigazzi) and composer (Franco Piersanti), he has found a means to touch everyone with a story that, BECAUSE of its subject matter, gives more insight into the human condition than almost any other film to date.
Amelio begins his story quietly and progresses slowly, allowing the viewer to cope with the realities of the tale in a manner of comfort. In the opening scene Gianni (Kim Rossi Stuart) is meeting with Alberto (Pierfrancesco Favino) in a frank discussion about the status of Paolo (Andrea Rossi), the son of Gianni whom he has never seen, the child being born as his girlfriend dies in childbirth. Alberto and his wife have been caring for Paolo for fifteen years, loving him, admiring him, working with the fact that Paolo has cerebral palsy with he concomitant handicaps of distorted limbs but with a mind and heart completely normal. Paolo's doctor has informed Alberto that perhaps having Paolo connect with his birth father may aid his progress in walking normally and increasing his self-care. So at this meeting Alberto, regrettably, turns Paolo over to the hesitant Gianni, an appliances worker who is now married and has a new child.
Gianni and Paolo meet for the first time, board a train to Berlin for the best Children's Orthopedic Hospital available. Very gradually the two begin to learn about each other; Paolo wants to prove he is self-reliant, Gianni wants to prove he is an adequate caregiver. In Berlin Gianni observes Paolo's intensive physical training, finding the boy's strengths and qualities and need for love. While Paolo is hospitalized Gianni meets Nicole (the brilliant Charlotte Rampling) whose 20-year-old daughter Nadine (Alla Faerovich) is severely physically challenged: Nicole has devoted her life to being at the bedside of Nadine and shares with Gianni the truths about parenting challenged children. Their conversations are sage and realistic and enormously touching.
Gianni and Paolo begin to bond, to share their lives, to explain the fifteen year gap in their relationship, and Gianni agrees to fulfill Paolo's dream of going to Norway to meet Paolo's pen pal love Kristine. Along this 'road trip' the two ultimately face the idiosyncrasies life has offered each, they grow from each other and .... well, the ending is far too beautifully formed to spoil.
Obviously the easy way to make this film would have been to hire actors to 'mimic' challenged characters, but it is to Amelio's credit and for our good fortune that he has cast unknown physically challenged youths in the pivotal roles. Andrea Rossi as Paolo is a revelation: he gives the kind of performance that is at once honest and yet delicately nuanced. Both Kip Rossi Stuart and Charlotte Rampling are extraordinary, each playing their roles without a trace of bathos. This film does not stab for emotional response; it simply allows connection with a story about the importance of human love and compassion and family commitment. I cannot recommend a film more highly. Grady Harp, July 05
Summary of The Keys to the House
Gianni is reunited with Paolo, the 15-year-old son he has never seen; a son he abandoned at birth. The reunion is not Gianni?s idea ? it is that of Paolo?s doctor who hopes the connection will benefit the troubled boy. Gianni experiences a Pandora?s box in Paolo, full of shocks and wonders, but the keys to one?s house are often the keys to one?s heart.Similar DVD Movies
Troubled WaterRepnet LLC; Release date: 2010-02-09; DVD
Best price: $13.04
Price in other shops:
Devdas (Single-Disc Edition)Eros Entertainment; Release date: 2009-02-10; DVD
Best price: $4.67
Price in other shops:
Agata and the StormRelease date: 2007-01-30; DVD
Best price: $11.27
Price in other shops:
The Way We LaughedRelease date: 2004-01-20; DVD
Best price: $19.86
Price in other shops:
The Grocer's SonRepnet LLC; Release date: 2009-01-06; DVD
Best price: $11.45
Price in other shops:
MediterraneoPublished: 1991; DVD
Best price: $19.87
Golden DoorBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2008-01-08; DVD
Best price: $11.10
Price in other shops:
GodforsakenTLA Releasing; Release date: 2004-08-17; DVD
Best price: $2.47
Price in other shops:
Gloomy SundayWarner Brothers; Release date: 2006-09-12; DVD
Best price: $2.95
Price in other shops:
The Tiger and the SnowTiger; Release date: 2007-05-08; DVD
Best price: $7.58
Price in other shops: