I saw this a part of the Italian Film festival here in Australia. I found this to be a gem of a film, which was well acted and beautifully portrayed film of a rural family in what I assume is the south of Italy in the late 70s or early 80s (no dates are given). It's the story of a university professor who is studying the phenomenon of paranormal talents such as spoon bending, and he finds a 12 year old boy living with his younger brother and widower father in near-poverty on a farm mainly making a living selling firewood. Their only conveyance is a truck, which was bought on credit from a local, ageing Mafioso, who causes problems for the family. The film is about struggle and hope; perhaps the professor can formally display the young lad's abilities, which might win them fame, as well as some well-needed lira.
The movie is well-crafted, well framed, with rich sound and beautifully scored, with a high level of cinematic craftsmanship. Worth a look for the art movie fan.
