The Hand of God

The Hand of God is Italian film director Paolo Sorrentino’s autobiographical drama about growing up in 1980’s Naples. It is a sensual, nostalgic, and sublime film that resurrects the past.

It’s a “distraction from reality,” because “reality is lousy.” Iconic Italian film director Federico Fellini’s words, who visits mid-80’s Naples to cast his new film. He is an inspiration for all aspiring actors but for one boy is someone to aspire to be; a film director.

Paolo Sorrentino’s life and world is authentically mirrored in this cinematic masterpiece. 1980’s Naples is a world wrapped up in social, and political turmoil, a sexualized abode whose landscape is breathtakingly beautiful, but complexed within.

 An autobiographical tale that blends imagination, life, and music to create a reflective world for a young teenage boy Fabio, known as Fabietto. Fabio who doesn’t encounter Fellini in the film, but has a red bicycle moment with a lesser known Italian film director Antonio Capuano who he begs for advice.

Capuano advises his young protégé about the importance of courage, independence and originality.

Fabio is tangled up in a world of love, confusion, and madness. An aunt whose beauty seduces the eyes of men, yet she is broken within. A mother who enjoys juggling and playing pranks, a father who is a banker that identifies as a communist, and a clan of extended family who are chaotic, noisy, and vulgar create a dissonance of life.

There is a brother who auditions for Fellini’s film, but isn’t chosen since he has a “conventional face.”

A sister who monopolizes the bathroom, and an aristocratic landlady bangs on the ceiling with a broom adding to the disharmony and comedy of the film. As the story grows into a fusion of drama, comedy and curiosity, midway a tragic event turns the mood to melodramatic.

The hand of god refers to Argentinian soccer legend Maradona’s infamous hand goal in the 86 World Cup. As a backdrop for the film, Naples is filled with suspense wondering if Maradona will come play for Naples, which he does.

It’s a beautiful tautology; a true-to-life movie about a life made for movies.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_1VW_0i6vo&t=3s