Red Like the Sky is a heartwarming and emotional Italian film released in 2006. Directed by Cristiano Bortone, the movie tells the story of a young boy named Mirco Mencacci who is fascinated by movies and dreams of becoming a filmmaker one day. The film is based on a true story and takes place in Tuscany, Italy during the 1970s. Mirco lives in a small town where he spends most of his childhood with his loving and supportive parents. At a young age, he discovers his passion for cinema when he watches a movie at the local theater. Inspired by the magic of the silver screen, Mirco starts to experiment with a Super 8 camera and begins making short films with his friends.
However, Mirco's life takes a dramatic turn when he is sent to a school for the blind after a terrible accident that leaves him blind. Despite the obstacles he faces, Mirco's passion for filmmaking remains strong. He befriends another student named Carlo who has a talent for sound design, and they start working together on a film project.
The film is not just about Mirco and his passion for movies, but also about the paradigms that governed Italy at the time. Mirco's father is a communist and an activist who is often targeted by the fascist police. Mirco is deaf, his mother is depressed, and his father is a political activist. It feels as if society is against them all. However, a window to the world of cinema and the passion he shares with Carlo give Mirco hope.
Red Like the Sky is a story about determination and the power of friendship, but also about the struggles of disability and social injustice. The film portrays the difficulties that Mirco and Carlo have to face, as they try to pursue their dreams of making a movie despite their physical limitations and societal prejudice. They also have to work in secret, as filmmaking was considered a bourgeois activity and prohibited for the blind.
Francesco Campobasso delivers a stunning portrayal of Mirco, bringing depth and sensitivity to the character. He delivers a strong performance that allows the audience to truly connect and relate to him. Luca Capriotti, who plays Carlo, is equally outstanding, and the chemistry between the two protagonists is palpable.
The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the serene landscapes of Tuscany, and the soundtrack is poignant and evocative. The film beautifully encapsulates the era, and the wardrobe and set design are perfectly on point with the 1970s.
One of the standout themes of the film is the importance of the imagination. Mirco has to rely on his imagination to visualize whatâs in front of him, while his friend Carlo has to rely on his ears to perceive the world around him. Together, they collaborate to create a masterpiece, proving that limitations donât have to hinder creativity.
Overall, Red Like the Sky is a beautiful and powerful film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a testament to the human spirit, and shows that no matter what obstacles one may face, one can always pursue their dreams with passion and determination. The film is an inspiring message that the impossible can be made possible, and that dreams can be achieved even in the darkest of circumstances.
Red Like the Sky is a 2006 art house & international movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.