Watch Terraferma

Terraferma is a 2011 Italian drama film directed by Emanuele Crialese. The movie stars Filippo Pucillo, Donatella Finocchiaro, and Giuseppe Fiorello in lead roles. The movie revolves around a family living on the Mediterranean island of Linosa, off the coast of Sicily. The island is a small paradise, where fishermen make a living out of the surrounding sea. The film is a touching story of a family's struggle to cope with the influx of illegal immigrants to their once peaceful island, as well as the changes in their traditional way of life.

The movie opens with the patriarch of the family, Ernesto (Mimmo Cuticchio), taking his grandson Filippo (Filippo Pucillo) out to sea. They are trying to catch fish to sell at the market to make their livelihood. It's a typical day for the family, as they've been doing this for generations. However, this idyllic life is about to change drastically.

The family's first encounter with the refugees occurs when Filippo and his grandfather rescue some African immigrants who are stranded at sea. The immigrants are exhausted, dehydrated, and hungry, so Ernesto brings them home to the dismay of his family. Ernesto is a compassionate man with a big heart, so he offers to allow the refugees to stay at their fishing shack until they can be processed by the authorities. This incident marks the beginning of a significant shift in the family's life.

As the story progresses, the family becomes divided in how they react to the refugees. Filippo, who is young and idealistic, sees the immigrants as people in need of help, while his mother Giulietta (Donatella Finocchiaro) is fiercely protective of her family and wants the immigrants gone. The conflict comes to a head when Filippo befriends a young refugee, Sara (Timnit T.), and develops a crush on her. Giulietta fears for her son's safety and is even more outraged when Sara reveals she is pregnant.

The movie tackles issues related to immigration and raises questions about what it means to be humane in this increasingly complex world. It explores themes of family, tradition, and change. The cinematography is stunning, and the natural beauty of the island and surrounding sea adds to the film's charm. Terraferma is a poignant and thought-provoking film that stays with the viewer long after it ends.

The performances by the actors are exceptional, especially Filippo Pucillo's portrayal of the young Filippo. He beautifully captures the innocence and naivete of youth while also conveying a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Donatella Finocchiaro is excellent as his mother, and her portrayal of Giulietta's internal conflict is nuanced and believable. Giuseppe Fiorello also delivers a standout performance as the family's patriarch, Ernesto.

In conclusion, Terraferma is a poignant and timely movie that examines the complex issues related to immigration and human rights. The movie's message is clear, and it strikes a chord with the viewers' emotions. Emanuele Crialese has done an outstanding job of taking a current social issue and exploring it in a way that is thought-provoking and leaves the audience talking about it long after the movie has ended. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human nature and social issues.

Terraferma is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 57.