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Review - Gomorrah

January 31st 2009 07:30

Think Gomorrah and sinful images and corruption spring to mind in a hell on earth type situation. Gomorrah is based on Roberto Saviano's book of the same name exposing the modern Italian crime network known as the Camorra - wordplay intended. Such was the popularity of the book. Roberto received various death threats on his life for exposing the underbelly of Italian society and is under constant police protection. In my opinion, the director was also very brave to take on the task knowing the history behind the book and its writer.

Despite the fanfare surrounding the novel, the movie itself also heralded attention with its numerous award nominations including a nomination for a BAFTA for Best Film Not In The English Language and for its win at the Cannes Film Festival.

This movie plays like a documentary and whilst I don't mind a good documentary, in truth I found this particular piece dull and drawn out. Five stories are shown in Gomorrah but unlike movies like Babel, there is no wrap up, giving an unfinished sense to the film.

This film is violent and does not hold back on the dirt, corruption or decay and no one is spared. The Camorra infiltrates all facets of Italian society including most heartbreaking of all, the involvement and corruption of young children. The actors can not be faulted for their performances, all truthfully told and interpreted - so much so they don't even seem like they are acting.

The storylines themselves are interesting - a politician involved in dumping toxic waste, a disenchanted mobster, and a tailor moonlighting in a Chinese sweatshop. One story line shows Marco and Ciro as two teens obsessed with Pacino in Scarface and operating as wanna-be gangsters independently from the Camorra. Their naivety and youth is cleverly captured and you know it won't be long before they get themselves either injured or killed. The same could be said for anyone in the movie as there is seemingly no escape for any of them from their crime filled life and violence is ever present.

Despite my interest in the subject matter, I couldn't warm to Gomorrah and I came away feeling that I had somehow missed something.

Voyage Review - 2.5/5

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: Drama

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Comments

2 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Linh

January 31st 2009 08:04

Celluloid Fun

Hi Michelle,

I think this film is nominated for an Oscar this year, and I would like to see it.
However it does sound very violent, but I guess it must be because of its subject matter.

Another Oscar-nominated film is Milk starring Sean Penn and I highly recommend it.

Cheers!

Comment by Michelle Sweeney

January 31st 2009 19:04

Competition Queen

I thought that it would have been nominated for an Oscar but it must not have made the cut.

I must admit that I am very keen to see Milk. Thanks for the recommendation.

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