Watching "The Italian", the wrenching and vivid new Russian drama directed by Andrei Kravchuk, only supports my growing impression that in purely quality terms, the best narrative films are coming from outside the U.S.
Six year old Vanya is a Russian orphan selected to make a new life with adopted parents in Italy. Lucky, right? The orphanage itself is right out of Dickens, only colder.
But a chance encounter makes him decide to try finding his real family one last time- assuming a) it exists, and b) they want him.
What may sound grim is often that but importantly much more: a touching tale of courage, sacrifice, and the mysterious bond of origins and family. And that little Vanya is a keeper...
Think no good movies are being made for thinking, feeling people anymore? It's not so. We're just having to import more of them. See "The Italian" and you'll know what I mean.
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