Lives of the Saints (2004) (TV)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Jerry Ciccoritti

Writers:

Malcolm MacRury (writer)
Nino Ricci (novel)

Release Date:

20 September 2004 (Italy)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A gripping family saga of passion, betrayal and forgiveness.

Plot:

Vittorio Innocente, a young man, estranged from the tragedies of his Italian immigrant family, has spent his adult life denying his past...

Plot Keywords:

Italian Immigrant | Based On Novel

Awards:

3 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Sophia Loren	...	Teresa Innocente
Fab Filippo	...	Vittorio Innocente
Jessica Paré	...	Rita Amherst
Sabrina Ferilli	...	Cristina Innocente
Kris Kristofferson	...	Matthew Bok
Nick Mancuso	...	Mario Innocente
Michael A. Miranda	...	Alfredo Innocente
Jennie Raymond	...	Kate Townsend
Kate Trotter	...	Mrs. Amherst
Stephanie Mills	...	Elena Amherst
Flavio Pacilli	...	Young Vittorio
Joseph Marrese	...	Teen Vittorio
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Damir Andrei	...	Older Artist
Valeria Benedetti Michelangeli	...	Ship Nurse
Robert Bockstael	...	Nathan Cordingley
Frank Crudele	...	Father Nicola
Robert Dawson	...	Dr. Bentley (as Robert Dawson)
Dante Demuro	...	Fabrizio
Lynne Deragon	...	Dr. Tait
Massimo De Santis	...	Fabrizio the Postman
Terzin Dhadon	...	Young Inuit Girl
Jacqueline Dixon	...	Elena Amberst at 5
Desmond Ellis	...	Father Paul
Bruce Gooch	...	Reverend Amberst
Laurenzo Indelicato	...	Gino
Paolo Lombardi	...	Antonio DeLucci
Steven Luotto	...	Vincenzo
Lubomir Mykytiuk	...	Banker
Giuseppe Oppedisano	...	Bus Driver
Robyn Palmer	...	Danielle Bok
R.D. Reid	...	Protestant Minister
Dixie Seatle	...	Signy Bok
Anna Starnino	...	Beatrice
Aron Tager	...	Lawyer
Giselda Volodi	...	Maria
Ashley Yusupov	...	Young Rita

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

UK:15 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Italy

Company:

Capri Films

Wow

American mini-series should be half this good. This could easily have been a feature film and would have been nominated for an academy award. Almost all the actors give incredible performances, but the true standouts are Sophia Loren and Fabrizio Filippo, who I've had great expectations for since I first saw him in "Ready or Not", more than ten years ago. His performances in the last several years, including "Waydowntown" & "Queer as Folk" have been standout, but here we finally see the true potential he has to be a true leading man. And Sabrina Ferilli also did an incredible job. It's simply impossible to keep your eyes off of her when she is on the screen, as her face says more than her words and you dare not miss an expression.

Visually, this movie is like a painting brought to life, particularly the scenes in Italy. The use of the horizon and colour reminded me of Claire Denis' "Beau travail" and is almost a character itself, saying as much as any of the actual people.

Jessica Paré's performance was fair, though clearly the weak point in the film. Still, I can't think of another film I've seen on television recently, that comes close to matching this one in scope, beauty, intensity, and pure passion. There's no doubt that this was a work of love for all those involved in the making of this film.

If you have the chance, see this movie. You'll be glad you did.