Terribly sad neo-realist tale of a young cop assigned to take two kids to an orphanage, and the bond that grows between them, with unexpected results.
Perhaps a bit manipulative in the middle (the damaged kids respond a little too quickly to the cop's kindness), and the lead actor has his awkward moments along with some very strong ones (all three leads were non-professional actors).
But the two kids are remarkable for their ages, and the uncompromised honesty of the ending makes up for a few convenient twists, and 'easy' transitions. Overall a powerful and moving film full of humanity, it's shocking and sad to think this modern classic is essentially unavailable on video in the United States.
Perhaps a bit manipulative in the middle (the damaged kids respond a little too quickly to the cop's kindness), and the lead actor has his awkward moments along with some very strong ones (all three leads were non-professional actors).
But the two kids are remarkable for their ages, and the uncompromised honesty of the ending makes up for a few convenient twists, and 'easy' transitions. Overall a powerful and moving film full of humanity, it's shocking and sad to think this modern classic is essentially unavailable on video in the United States.