The Hand of God – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

THE HAND OF GOD – Review by Susan Granger

February 14, 2022February 20, 2022 Susan Granger Filippo Scotti, italian films, naples, Paolo Sorrentino, Teresa Saponangelo, The Hand of God, Toni Servillo

Oscar-nominated as Best International Film, Italy’s The Hand of God is Paul Sorrentino’s intensely personal coming-of-age story, set in Naples in the 1980s.
That’s when Argentina’s Diego Maradona was worshipped as the best soccer player in the world; the title comes from a controversial goal scored by Maradona in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against England.

Reviews

THE HAND OF GOD – Review by Jennifer Green

December 10, 2021December 21, 2021 Jennifer Green Filippo Scotti, italian films, naples, Paolo Sorrentino, Teresa Saponangelo, The Hand of God, Toni Servillo

Italy’s 2021 submission for the International Oscar is a beautiful coming-of-age story and a love letter to both director Paolo Sorrentino’s native Naples and the art of filmmaking. There are many memorable images in The Hand of God, mostly involving a contrast of dark interiors with the sapphire Mediterranean and the blinding sun of southern Italy. Likewise, the film’s characters and scenarios are extremely evocative.

Reviews

THE HAND OF GOD – Review by Diane Carson

November 19, 2021November 21, 2021 Diane Carson Daria D’Antonio, Diego Maradona, netflix, Paolo Sorrentino, The Hand of God

Taking charge of his own story in The Hand of God, director Paolo Sorrentino dramatizes his experiences growing up in 1980s Naples. Through his surrogate, Fabietto, he captures the animated, loving Schisa family. With homages to Fellini’s style and the Italian love of soccer, as embodied by Diego Maradona, this autobiographical film transcends specific events while also honoring them.