19
Oct
Join us for the next gathering of the movie club about gay classics where we will watch a movie - on a 3x2 meter screen, talk about it and about other movies and series we have seen and liked.
It is free to attend. We will gather in a relaxed place next to Westerpark in Amsterdam, drinks and snacks - potluck style.
Fireworks
2023, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15764854/
June 1982, Sicily. While Italians dream of winning the World Cup, two adolescents dream of living their love story without fear. Seventeen-year-old Gianni is bullied because of his homosexuality but his life changes when he meets by accident Nino, a captivating and innocent boy. The profound friendship they develop will without embarrassment turn into love, as they start working together for Nino's father, shooting fireworks. When their bond is discovered by their families, the consequences are as violent as the times and mores are conservative. The two teenagers are separated by force but ready to challenge everything and everyone, convinced their love can defeat death.
Movie Club Briefing
Giuseppe "Beppe" Fiorello is a celebrated Italian TV star and popular actor, with a career including collaborations with esteemed directors like Ozpetek, Crialese, and Tornatore. In 2023, he made an impressive directorial and feature film debut with Fireworks/Stranizza d'amuri, a gay coming-of-age romance that he also co-wrote. The film is based on the real-life hate crime in ultra-conservative 1980s Sicily that tragically led to the formation of Arcigay, Italy's first and largest LGBTQ+ rights group.
Fireworks has achieved significant critical success, earning a 100% positive critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread acclaim in Italy for its poignant social commentary and portrayal of pure adolescent love amidst homophobia. For his impactful debut, Fiorello was honored with the Nastro d’Argento for Best New Director and an Italian Golden Globe for Best First Work, alongside a David di Donatello nomination. Released in Italian cinemas on March 23, 2023, the film has also been featured at international events like the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and the Ortigia Film Festival, reflecting its indisputable social value and universal themes of freedom
The original name of the movie is "Stranizza d'amuri". This title is in Sicilian dialect and literally translates to "Strangeness of Love". Although it can also be interpreted as "Miracle of Love".
The title pays tribute to a famous song by Franco Battiato, a singer-songwriter from Giarre, composed in 1979. Director Giuseppe Fiorello's choice of this title reflects his intention for the film to be a universal portrait of adolescence and adolescent love. Furthermore, the "strangeness" referenced in the title can be seen as a reflection of the decision by the two main characters, Gianni and Nino, to live out their unique love and sexuality openly, despite the conservative Sicilian society of the 1980s.
The movie features a talented cast, this film is powerful and moving portrayal of the struggles of two teenage boys who fall in love in a conservative and prejudiced society. This movie needs to be praised for its stunning cinematography, strong performances, and emotional impact.
Fireworks is an endearing but tragic film. The direction is spot-on, and the sundrenched cinematography is stunning. Every actor delivers, and the ending will move everyone watching.
With a big heart, tremendous talent, and stunning direction. this film was an absolute gut punch that I loved.