A marvelous film

We know within the first few scenes of the wonderful Italian film, I’m Not Scared that the protagonist, Michele (Giuseppe Cristiano) is a very unique boy. He has a moment of choice, and whereas many ten year olds would opt for the easy way out, Michele does not. Michele’s sense of morality is apparent, and in spite of peer pressure, he chooses the moral action. Michele, a quiet, introspective boy lives with his parents and his younger sister in a remote area of Southern Italy. The year is 1978. It’s an endless summer–glorious days are spent playing with friends, and running with careless abandon through fields of golden wheat. Michele and his friends play some of their games at an abandoned house, and it’s here, Michele discovers a boy his own age who lies chained in a filthy hole.

I’m not Scared reminds me of The Devil’s Backbone in terms of the presentation of a child’s recognition of evil in the adult world. I’m Not Scared, however, does not contain elements of the supernatural. Instead this is the story of a boy who loves and obeys his parents, and then tries to reconcile a new horrible knowledge into his code of morality. The film, directed by Gabriele Salvatores portrays the child’s view of life exceedingly well. Too often, films resort to children as the know-it-alls–spewing out a ludicrous wisdom of life. Michele, however, remains a 10 year old boy–content to keep a secret, and yet simultaneously unaware of the ramifications of his knowledge. I’m Not Scared is a marvelous film in Italian with English subtitles.