The Last Time We Were Children
Rome, summer 1943. Four children play war while the bombs of real war explode around them. Italo is the rich son of the Federal, Cosimo has his father in confinement and an atavistic hunger, Vanda is an orphan and a believer, Riccardo comes from a wealthy Jewish family. They are different but they don't know it and between them "the greatest friendship in the world" is born, impervious to the divisions of history that bloodies Europe. But on October 16 the Jewish boy is taken away by the Germans together with over a thousand people from the Ghetto. Thanks to Italo's father Federale, the three friends believe they know where he is and, to honor the "spit pact", decide to leave in secret to convince the Germans to free their friend. Yet another imaginative mission becomes reality, the three children travel alone in an Italy exhausted by war, among disbanded soldiers, deserters, occupying German troops, exhausted and hungry populations.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a remote village, four children form a pact to keep a dark secret buried. As a strange illness begins to affect the community, their childhood games take a terrifying turn, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. They must confront the consequences of their actions and the unsettling truth that lurks beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic lives.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its atmospheric horror and strong performances from its young cast, while some noted pacing issues and a convoluted plot.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and child performances.
- Noted for its effective blend of drama and horror elements.
- Criticized by some for a slow build-up and ambiguous narrative.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available or are inconsistent, but those that exist often highlight the film's eerie tone and the disturbing nature of its subject matter.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in rural Ireland, with much of the cast being newcomers or family members of the director, adding to its authentic and intimate feel.
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