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Movie spotlight

Picnic at Hermann's

2015
Movie
120 min
English

Henrik and Frank, two computer nerds, get more than they bargain for when they must travel through time and defeat possessed Nazi-soldiers to impress the girls living in the cabin next door.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users90%
Director: Jonas CarpignanoGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In the southern Italian region of Calabria, a young Roma boy named Pio navigates the harsh realities of his community. He idolizes his older brother and grapples with the traditions and struggles of his family, which are intertwined with the local Italian society. Pio's journey is marked by a desire for belonging and a search for identity amidst poverty and prejudice.

Critical Reception

Picnic at Hermann's (also known as A Ciambra) received widespread critical acclaim for its raw, neorealist portrayal of life within a marginalized Roma community. Critics lauded director Jonas Carpignano's authentic and intimate approach, the naturalistic performances of its non-professional cast, and its powerful depiction of childhood innocence colliding with harsh social realities.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking and emotionally resonant, capturing the vibrant yet difficult lives of its subjects.

  • Features incredibly authentic performances that draw the viewer deeply into the community.

  • A compelling and often heartbreaking look at childhood, family, and societal marginalization.

Google audience: Audience reviews consistently praise the film's authenticity and powerful storytelling, with many highlighting the remarkable performances and the immersive portrayal of the Roma community. Viewers found the film deeply moving and thought-provoking, appreciating its honest depiction of complex social issues.

Awards & Accolades

World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Directing at Sundance Film Festival, Europa Cinemas Label Award at Cannes Film Festival (Directors' Fortnight), Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language.

Fun Fact

The film's young protagonist, Pio Amato, is not an actor but a member of the Roma community depicted in the movie, and his own life experiences heavily informed the narrative and his performance.

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