The Top Ten Great Things About Se Dio Vuole (God Willing)
Se Dio Vuole will be presented at this year’s Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, brought to us by The Film Society of Lincoln Center.
Saturday, June 4, 6:30pm (Q&A with Edoardo Falcone and Laura Morante)
THE TOP TEN GREAT THINGS ABOUT ‘GOD WILLING’
- It’s got strong characters
There are no weak links in this chain. The family members are not frivolous caricatures; they’re real people with dialogue that matters. The characters in more supporting roles are realistic and strengthen the plot.
2. The acting is exceptional
A strong character requires a strong actor, and God Willing has that covered. No hyperbole here, no overacting. The sincerity and the authenticity in the performances by Marco Giallini, Alessandro Gassman, Laura Morante and all the rest hit me right away, within the first few minutes of the film. I must admit, I have always underestimated Laura Morante, an actress who can truly do it all, from comedy to drama. The look on her face and those of Giallini, Gassman, Edoardo Pesce and Ilaria Spada when they realize what the son has been keeping from them is priceless.
3. It’s funny
And it’s a smart funny. No cheap humor (well, except for the jokes about a guy who is pretending to be developmentally disabled. But I had to google “what is the politically corrected term?” I think it’s really hard to keep track of what’s PC.)
Say’s Tommaso (Giallini) about priests, “It’s an anachronistic profession – like being a chimney sweep.” If this movie is offensive, it’s an equal opportunity brand of offensive, and it makes fun of everybody.
4. It’s original
I’m often confused by Italian comedy unless it’s got a kind of “Hollywood” kind of humor (one that I am accustomed to), but this one is different. It’s lively, it’s silly, and it’s more than an ordinary comedy. This is what happens when all of the planets line up and the directing, writing, acting, and everything else is all done well.
5. It’s charming
Too many comedies rely on that confrontational, in your face humor and if it’s not edgy, it’s not considered funny. This film is kind, gentle, and still very funny. I liked everybody in the movie, and that’s pretty rare.
6. It’s inspirational
I’m a believer, so maybe I’m biassed, but an inspirational message about how faith can change your life is a welcome one. It’s deals with Catholics, not a trendy religion (in the US, anyway), with respect and dignity.
7. It doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics.
8. It’s thought-provoking
When a family tells Tomasso, a heart surgeon, that it’s a miracle that their family member’s alive, he tells them, “Miracles don’t exist – I’m an excellent surgeon.” But the great thing about this film, it walks that fine line between interesting and preachy. It’s profound, but it’s not a “message” movie.
9. It’s got Marco Giallini and Alessandro Gassman. And they are HOT. (Visually and professionally).
10. It’s coming to the USA!
The Film Society of Lincoln Center, NYC
Saturday, June 4, 6:30pm (Q&A with Edoardo Falcone and Laura Morante)
I Love Italian Everything 