The Hand of God: Through the Eyes of Sorrentino
The Hand of God: Through the Eyes of Sorrentino

Movie spotlight

The Hand of God: Through the Eyes of Sorrentino

2021
Movie
8 min
Italian

Director Paolo Sorrentino returns to Naples, his hometown, and reflects on his youth in an exclusive tour of the locations of “The Hand of God”.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic71/100
Google Users84%
Director: Paolo SorrentinoGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In Naples, a young man named Fabietto Schisa navigates adolescence in the 1980s, a period marked by the arrival of football legend Diego Maradona and a profound family tragedy. His passion for football and cinema intertwines with the chaotic and vibrant life of his extended family, leading him towards an uncertain future. The film explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the transformative power of art.

Critical Reception

The Hand of God received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Sorrentino's deeply personal and visually stunning storytelling. While some found the narrative somewhat meandering, many lauded its emotional depth, strong performances, and Sorrentino's signature directorial style. It was seen as a more intimate and introspective work compared to his previous films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its beautiful cinematography and Sorrentino's distinctive visual flair.

  • Lauded for its emotionally resonant exploration of youth, family, and trauma.

  • Some critics found the plot progression to be less focused than desired.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's moving story, its authentic portrayal of family dynamics, and the strong direction. Many found it to be an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience, highlighting its artistic merit and emotional impact.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'The Hand of God,' refers to the famous goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, an event that has significant personal meaning for director Paolo Sorrentino and is a pivotal backdrop in the film.

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