The Keys to the House
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Movie Reviews of The Keys to the House
Movie Review: A Film That Is Both Moving And Challenging
Summary: 5 Stars
The story of a father being reunited with a long lost son can do one of two things: bring us to familiar territory that is often hackneyed, or teach us new lessons about humanity. THE KEYS OF THE HOUSE does the latter.
The film tells the story of Gianni, a thirty something man who fathered a child as a teenager. The young woman died giving birth and Gianni decides never to see the child. Fifteen years later, he is married with a newborn son and learns that his son Paolo, who is severely disabled, would benefit from contact with his father and it is at this point the film begins. Gianni is surprised at how quickly he feels love for the child, due largely to the genuineness of Paolo, but in his first few days of meeting his son, he also begins to discover the complexities that will inevitably be a part of this relationship. At the end of the film we are left wondering what will happen to the pair, which could be a "happily ever after" scenario or abandonment.
One of the reasons the film works so well is due to the character Nicole played masterfully by Charlotte Rampling. Nicole is the mother of a child more profoundly disabled that Paolo. She supports Gianni but also is honest enough to share her conflicting feelings. She does a wonderful job at presenting a mother that both loves and resents her child and admires Gianni while at the same time being repulsed by him.
I cannot help but see how viewers will be moved by this film. Though the film is generally upbeat, there are no "feel good" moments in it, but the film doesn't need it. The character of Paolo whose goodness and heart are so evident throughout the film does what so many other films cannot do. Its honesty will challenge anyone, speaking not as a viewer unaware of the realities of people with disabilities, but as a brother of a person with Cerebral Palsy who has had to wrestle with some of the issues found in this film. It is a film I am glad to have in my collection and one I know I will see differently each time I view it.
Movie Review: UNLOCKING DOORS
Summary: 5 Stars
THE KEYS TO THE HOUSE was written and directed by Gianni Amelio in 2004. The film is based on a novel written by Giuseppe Pontiggia. Let's observe that another novel of this writer Born Twice is read and brought to life by Charlotte Rampling in a few scenes of the film.
The Amazon reviewers have eloquently praised the tactful way Gianni Amelio handles a so delicate topic as handicapped children. As I totally agree with them, I would rather like to point out here a few elements subtly suggested by the director in the movie. First of all, it's not happening by chance if the action of THE KEYS TO THE HOUSE takes place in Berlin, Germany. For an European viewer, the city of Berlin implies all kinds of connotations that come immediately to mind when this city is mentioned. So, Berlin can be considered as the center of Europe, a fact very important here since the characters of the film will have to go first to Norway in the extreme northern part of Europe before taking the decision to come back to Gianni's homeland, Italy, a country symbolizing, in our collective unconscious, the South. I believe that it could be interesting to decode THE KEYS OF THE HOUSE with this geographical metaphor in mind.
Another way to appreciate the film is to observe how Gianni Amelio confines the characters in hotel rooms, stuffy corridors with locked windows, trains, subways and at last Gianni's car in Norway in a very claustrophobic manner. We are literally conditioned to feel, like the little Paolo, an intense sense of relief and liberty when he finally runs away from his father or during the crossing of the North Sea.
When I watch a film like THE KEYS TO THE HOUSE, I suddenly remember why I like so much movies.
A DVD for your library.
Movie Review: So beautiful it hurts
Summary: 5 Stars
I did not know what to expect from this movie. Although the plot was outlined on the box, no words could describe what a profound experience this film holds for those open to its message. The beauty of this story is such that as the last scene unfolds your heart aches from what you have experienced.
The execution from all parties creating this work of art is flawless. The young man who plays Paolo gives one of the bravest performances I've ever seen. Kim Rossi Stuart's physical approach to getting to know his son is incredibly beautiful and compassionate. The honesty of his performance is astounding.
I feel a deeper since of compassion for others as a result of seeing this movie. It touched me as no other film ever has. I cannot express strongly enough how moving The Keys to the House is. It makes me so happy to see there are people left in this world that have the capacity of compassion for others to make a film that can forever change the heart of those who see it.
Movie Review: A must movie all the human kind need to watch
Summary: 5 Stars
I was utterly astonished and enlightened to know the fact someone actually produced such a difficult movie in every sense.
It is very important for most of us ,who have been contaminated by typical Hollywood money and fame crazed film making scheme,to watch this film.
This movie is so sincerely and realistically produced that I could not even tell during the first 15 minutes that if one particular young actor was actually acting and when I realized that he was acting,that was another refreshing surprise.
I thought Sean Penn did a wonderful job in "I am Sam ",but this movie is 100 times better.It deals with rather a tragic theme in an extremely quiet and non-dramatic way ,yet the movie does not make us cry. Instead it makes us strong and aware of the necessity of world compassion.
I am very appreciative for all the people who were involved in making this movie.
Movie Review: A Truly Amazing Film
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is truly amazing. I have watched it 3 times so far; one time with my mother. I don't think I am capable of writing a very long review because as for me, I am usually a little speechless after I see a film of this depth. The movie is so beautifully done. The acting is so real and the characters are so likeable. Although the film deals with a heavy topic, there are many parts of the movie that made me smile. Paolo, the boy, can have such a good sense of humor at times. The interation between Paolo and Gianni (his father) is very touching. It is a wonderful film, and I am so glad I came across it here on Amazon.