Customer Reviews

The Flight of the Innocent [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

If you are looking for a movie that has a great story, well done acting,fantastic direction and a score that will give you goosebumps when you hear it, look no further Flight of the Innocent is a Masterpiece of pure action and excitement.

I have just finished viewing this movie for the fifth time and I am still not bored with it. I am writing this review now since I have just found out that it has finally been released on dvd, which now is probably the best chance to view this movie better at home.

I have this movie on video bought years ago when it came out and the movie although now 10 years old has not aged a bit. One reviewer on IMDB how the boy got hold of the address, without give any details away about the plot,I would like to point out that the address was written on the boy's bag.

Like I stated before, I have seen this movie more than once and the movie has no plot holes at all. The movie is quite violent especially the shootings, but also a very intelligent one that grabs the viewer from the very start and never lets go. Do yourself a favour people, take note of this movie and if you see it at your local dvd store give it a rent. You will not be disapointed. 10/10

awesome movie the best cinemetography if you want to see southern Italy to rome watch this film ..... incredible camera work !!

I originally watched this film via a Netflix rental and enjoyed it so much that I bought it. Watching it a second time, I was even more impressed with what this film accomplished. The photography is stunning, the acting of the young main character totally amazing, and the insight into impoverished Sicilian family gangs who kidnap rich children for ransom is very interesting. The way in which this young boy attempts to redeem his family name, and the hardships he encounters, is poignant. Most impressively, the film depicts the way in which children are inarticulate witnesses to the horrors around them, suffering in silence. If you enjoy films about children who are persevering in the face of all odds, plus enjoy visually arresting photography of foreign environs that propel the plot, this film is highly recommended.

"Flight of the Innocent" unfolds in the breathtaking beauty of the high Calabrian pastureland; the tinkling of sheep bells and the insistent rhythm of the cicadas shrilling in the oaks suggest high summer and convey a sense of timeless tranquility. A boy perched in a tree, drawing a bird with wings outspread, lets his imagination take flight over the lonely landscape. Suddenly a shotgun blasts. The pasture falls silent, and the boy's life is changed forever.

"Flight of the Innocent" is as violent as it is beautiful; it is also suspenseful, as the boy flees northwards to Rome and finally to Viterbo in an attempt to escape the deadly legacy of his family. Italian filmmakers customarily use children who have never acted before, and they have not gone wrong in choosing Manuel Colao, who is totally believable in the role of young Vito (One wonders whether they have selected the character's name, Vito, as an homage to "The Godfather," that saga beginning with a similar flight of a young boy.).

Underlying the story is the continuing tragedy of kidnappings for ransom (anonima sequestri) and organized crime (the interfamilial `Ndrangheta--the name deriving from the Greek, Andres Agathoi, or Good Fellows) that blights Italy's underprivileged deep south. One of the most frightening scenes in the film, in fact, occurs when, after the family tragedy, the boy flees to the nearby mountain town, whose streets are eerily deserted, and a very perbene--or proper--woman, peering at him through her lace curtains, slams the shutters of her windows closed. This scene, more than any other, thrusts us, the viewers, into the mind and body of the young protagonist, and we remain with him to the end of his desperate journey.

Some beautiful cinematography? Yes. At times very violent? Yes. But not only was it a very gripping movie to watch, but it has been a very difficult movie to forget. Stunning, stunning movie that I recommend most highly.

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!