Review of The Hand of God (2021) by Tvjerry — 17 Dec 2021

Italian writer/director Paolo Sorrentino won an Oscar for The Great Beauty in 2014. This film focuses on his own adolescence in 80s Naples. Instead of a linear narrative, there are slice-of-life moments that portray his love of family, his admiration of Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona and his discovery of cinema.

Sorrentino’s style may be familiar to lovers of Italian films: lingering shots of people and places, disjointed scenes, deliberate pacing and attractive cinematography. It’s a sweet story with eccentric supporting characters that border on Fellini (who’s also referenced in the film).

Foreign film lovers may find it charming (this is Italy’s nomination for this year), but anyone expecting a fast-paced, plot-driven American style will likely be disappointed.