Watch The Little Devil

The Little Devil is a comical Italian-American fantasy film directed by Roberto Benigni and co-starring Walter Matthau and Stefania Sandrelli. Released in 1988, the movie centers around a mischievous imp named Giuditta (Benigni), who is entrusted with a crucial mission by the Devil himself. Giuditta is far from your average fairy tale creature. For one, he's not afraid to talk back to his infernal boss, whom he addresses as "boss man." Frustrated with his powers being underappreciated, Giuditta takes advantage of the Devil's absence to cause mayhem in the mortal world. His mischief attracts the attention of Matthau's character, a grumpy and eccentric old man named Al, who becomes the unwitting ally in his quest.

The story follows Giuditta and Al as they embark on a wild adventure trying to retrieve the Devil's stolen horns, which have been stolen by another devil. Without his horns, the Devil cannot exert his full power, and the chaos taking place in the mortal world threatens to upset the balance between Heaven and Hell.

As the unlikely duo traverse through New York City, they encounter various colorful characters, including a persistent police officer (played by Sandrelli), a duo of bumbling robbers, and a group of nuns.

Despite the film's premise, the storytelling is surprisingly nuanced for a comedy of its time. Although the film is riddled with slapstick humor, the heart of the story lies in the unlikely friendship between Giuditta and Al. As they embark on their adventure, the two characters learn important lessons about the impact that their actions can have on the world around them.

One of the most memorable aspects of The Little Devil is Roberto Benigni's dynamic performance as Giuditta. The film showcases Benigni's boundless energy and comedic timing as he jumps from one prank to another. However, there are moments of vulnerability in his performance that provide glimpses into the imp's inner turmoil.

Matthau's performance as eccentric Al is also noteworthy. The veteran actor delivers a remarkably nuanced portrayal of a curmudgeonly old man with hidden depths. His initial annoyance with Giuditta transforms into a grudging admiration as the imp charms him with his shenanigans.

The visuals of the film are another standout. The movie is set in New York, and the cinematography captures the city's essence, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. The special effects are surprisingly good for the film's time, with Giuditta's supernatural abilities being portrayed with convincing realism.

Overall, The Little Devil is an entertaining romp with a heartfelt message at its core. The film has garnered a cult following over the years, with some crediting it as Benigni's breakout role in Hollywood. The chemistry between the film's leads is undeniable, and the hijinks they get into make for a fun ride. If you're in the mood for a whimsical comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously, The Little Devil is definitely worth checking out.