Gomorrah--Film version of Saviano book opens in NY
 

Terrific review!


http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/movies/13gomo.html

I saw this movie in a film festival and it was terrific!

I just read the review you linked to. I hadn't heard of the movie (or the book) previously, but realize, of course, that movies like the Godfather and TV shows like the Sopranos are only partially based in reality (the "softer" side probably isn't quite so "soft"). This movie looks almost like a documentary. I'm very interested to see it - I'll watch out for it opening in SF.

I have alwasy wondered if sodomy is such fun, what would Gomorrahy be like??

Bellastarr (and others), please tell me the movie is less depressing than the book. I gave the book away because I knew I could never bring myself to read it (or parts of it) ever again. I love Italy so (with all its faults), and the book left me incredibly sad.

Jean, read the review. I don't think it could be MORE dark than the movie.

Thanks, bellastarr. The book just really got to me. The violence and intimidation made me incredibly sad for the people. Even if the government can somehow neutralize Camorra in Campania, the System will just move on. The toxic waste, however, is going to sicken and kill Italians for generations.

Bellastarr, a friend of ours is a developer of outlet malls. He's been very successful in the U.S. and expanded into Europe a few years ago. His first project was near Bergamo, and he did complete construction but skedaddled out of Italy as quickly as he could. He said the mafia presence was pervasive, not just in the construction trades but in every element of business. It doesn't surprise me at all that there are connections to the World Trade Center site.

And one more about Naples-- from NY Times Book Review; Shirley Hazzard and F. Steegmuller 's ANCIENT SHORE:



http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/bo...rtin-t.html?em

It's an excellent movie, but I did find it hard to watch.

Here's a story about Robert Saviano in today's L.A. Times:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment...,3033224.story

Bella, many thanks!

I will put these on my list as soon as the library computer gets fixed!! (It was down a few minutes ago..)

I am so glad you are around and giving advice/help/opinions!

"Talk" to you soon!

I read the book a few months ago, and was amazed at the reach of the mob in Italy. (I thought I know it, but I really did not.) It's quite depressing, yes. But it needs to be known. I will certainly see the movie.

Another great review of Gomorrah:
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critic...urrentPage=all

I was thinking of taking an Italy-loving friend to see the movie this week. Trouble is she is on the edge from losing her job, the question is is it very graphic violence-wise or do you have time to know that violence is going to happen? I don't want to send her over the edge although she is familiar with Naples area and crime.

Hi, I finally saw this in SF. sf7307, it's playing at the Embarcadero in the city--and probably a number of other theaters in the area--if you haven't yet seen it.

An excellent film. And yes, quite dark.

I see many films as I live in L.A. and go to screenings, etc. I see violent films, which can be good if it's integral to the movie. This film, which I saw a month or so ago, is both boring (the first half--esp since you have a lot of trouble understanding who is who and it keeps jumping around from one character to another)--and and brutally violent. I don't think a lot of people would enjoy this film--it's very hard to watch and more like a documentary than a feature (even tho' the roles are played by actors). I think it's only good for people who are familiar with and interested in the Comorra (the Neapolitan version of the Mafia) who are horrible murderous thugs and control everything in that part of the country. This has none of the humor of the Sopranos, folks. I obviously don't recommend it. I imagine the book is more interesting.

I don't think most people go to this film to "enjoy" it!