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Salvo is a 2013 Italian movie directed by Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza. It tells the story of a hitman named Salvo who lives in the outskirts of Palermo, Sicily. The movie stars Saleh Bakri as Salvo, Luigi Lo Cascio as factory owner Eduardo, and Sara Serraiocco as the blind sister of Eduardo. The story begins with Salvo and his partner on a mission to kill a man who has double-crossed his employer. Salvo goes alone into the target’s flat and discovers that he is with a young blind woman, Rita. When he hesitates to kill her and instead saves her, he puts himself in danger from his own employer. Meanwhile, Rita is confused and scared at the presence of the intimidating hitman, but somehow feels attracted to him.

As the plot continues, Salvo takes Rita away to a deserted house in a rural area in the outskirts of Palermo. In the following days, the two develop an unexpected and unlikely bond, despite the violence and insurmountable differences that exist between them. Salvo, who has never experienced any depth of emotion, begins to develop feelings for Rita, and his job as a hitman becomes secondary. At the same time, Rita discovers the world and experiences sensations through Salvo’s perspective.

However, Salvo’s employer sends a group of hitmen to find and kill him, thinking he has double-crossed them as well. Salvo is forced to make a difficult choice between his loyalties and his newfound love for Rita. The consequences of his choices have a lasting impact on the final turn of events, leading up to the surprising and thought-provoking climax of the movie.

The film’s aesthetic is a significant aspect of its narrative. The directors masterfully capture the dark, melancholic, and visually stunning surroundings of Palermo, Italy. The movie’s cinematography and soundscape express Salvo’s emotions and state of mind, which the protagonist, unable to communicate verbally, cannot express.

Salvo is a story about contrast, love, and loyalty. The contrasting characters of Salvo and Rita symbolize two different worlds, cultures, and personalities. Both struggle to understand one another, yet they share a common language of love, which allows them to connect despite their many differences. Through Salvo and Rita’s interactions, the movie explores themes of identity, prejudice, and humanity.

Saleh Bakri’s performance as Salvo is breathtaking. Bakri delivers an eerie, yet sympathetic performance of the protagonist’s ambiguous character. His silent and minimalistic acting is powerful in delivering Salvo's raw emotions and inner turmoil that words cannot express.

Luigi Lo Cascio also deserves a mention for his portrayal of Eduardo, the factory owner, and Rita’s brother. Cascio delivers a convincing character that can be both intimidating and endearing. At the same time, Sara Serraiocco’s portrayal of Rita is equally impressive, giving depth to the character despite her obvious limitations as a blind person.

Overall, Salvo is an exceptional movie that portrays the complexities and nuances of human relationships in a challenging environment. The film’s focus on emotions, symbolism, and visual artistry demands the viewers’ attention and appreciation, as it takes them on an unforgettable and poignant journey.

Salvo is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 59.