The Keys to the House
The Keys to the House

Movie spotlight

The Keys to the House

2004
Movie
111 min
Italian

Meeting his handicapped son for the first time, a young father attempts to forge a relationship with the teenager.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users85%
Director: Gianni AmelioGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A teenage boy named Gianni, who suffers from a mild form of autism, goes on a journey with his mother to meet his estranged father, a former communist activist. During this trip, he navigates the complexities of family relationships and his own understanding of the world, while his mother grapples with her past and her feelings towards the father.

Critical Reception

The Keys to the House was met with critical acclaim, particularly for its sensitive portrayal of autism and its nuanced exploration of family dynamics. Reviewers praised the performances of the cast, especially Andrea Rossi in his breakout role, and Gianni Amelio's empathetic direction. The film was recognized for its emotional depth and thought-provoking narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its powerful and moving depiction of a young man with autism.

  • Applauded for its sensitive direction and strong performances, particularly from the lead actor.

  • Noted for its exploration of complex family relationships and themes of forgiveness.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's emotional impact and its realistic portrayal of autism. Many viewers found the story deeply touching and commended the actors for their authentic performances.

Awards & Accolades

It won the Golden Globe (Italy) for Best Actor (Andrea Rossi) and was nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Andrea Rossi, who plays the teenage boy with autism, was not a professional actor before this film; he was discovered by director Gianni Amelio through a chance encounter.

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