Watch Children of Fate: Life and Death in a Sicilian Family

Children of Fate: Life and Death in a Sicilian Family is a poignant and evocative documentary film that portrays the life of several generations of families of the La Ciambra region in southern Italy. The movie was released in 1993 and directed by Franco Sacchi, a renowned filmmaker who has explored different social and cultural issues throughout his career.

The film follows the lives of several members of the Amato family, who live in a small village in Calabria, a region infamous for its poverty, crime, and social exclusion. The Amato family consists of several siblings, their parents, and their grandparents, who all live in a crowded and dilapidated house in the middle of the village. The family is closely knit, and the film conveys a strong sense of the bonds and relationships that tie the various members together.

The movie is shot in a realistic and gritty style, with handheld cameras and natural lighting that capture the hardscrabble reality of life in the village. The cinematography is often stunning, with vivid colors and rich textures that convey the scents, sounds, and sensations of the Italian countryside. The film is also notable for its use of local dialects and colloquialisms, which lend authenticity and depth to the portrayal of the village and its inhabitants.

One of the main themes of the movie is the struggle of the Amato family to make ends meet in a society that has little to offer in terms of economic opportunities. The family relies on a variety of illegal activities to survive, including theft, smuggling, and counterfeiting. These activities are shown to be both dangerous and lucrative, with the family members often putting themselves in harm's way to earn a few extra dollars.

Another major theme of the movie is the role of tradition and family in shaping the lives of the villagers. The Amato family is shown to be deeply bound by the customs and beliefs of their ancestors, with the elders of the family passing on their wisdom and knowledge to the younger generations. The family members also find solace and support in their shared heritage, and the film emphasizes the importance of a strong cultural identity in the face of adversity.

Throughout the movie, we see the consequences of these themes play out in the lives of the various family members. Some, like the patriarch of the family, are able to thrive despite the difficult circumstances, while others, like the young Angela Capra, struggle to find their place in the world. Capra, in particular, is a standout character, with her spirited personality and fierce independence providing a counterpoint to the more traditional values of her family.

Overall, Children of Fate: Life and Death in a Sicilian Family is a powerful and engaging documentary that provides a window into a little-seen world of poverty and struggle in southern Italy. The film is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and it offers a moving and inspiring portrait of a family who refused to be defined by their circumstances. Whether you are interested in Italian history or simply enjoy immersive and thought-provoking cinema, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impression.