Io Capitano

One of the things that make the film so strong is that we're not asked for pity about the motivations for the boys to come to Europe. They had a vibrant life in Senegal and their plans are born out of signature teenagery. It therefore treads in ethically interesting waters, at least in this time in history where we are asked to categorize our humanity and decide on who deserves to be in the west and who doesn't. Think the film would be different if they were refugees from a war torn regio. Great

The maker has me on board in the first couple minutes - nothing special happens but it's hartfelt and lively: i'm watching life instead of movements in a studio. Then the story unfolds simply. The horror and cheerfullness switch seats without much ado and instead of being falsely hopeful that works as being true to the two 15-year old Senegal boys who are not up to a lot of contemplation and quickly to act.

The very best and worst on humanity all here. A stunning film, impossible to look away from right from the outset.

Garrone's films have become increasingly more human with each new effort. Led by an amazing Seydou Sarr, Io Capitano sees its character undertake a dangerous journey that not only becomes increasingly challenging yet saddeningly strips its journeyers of their basic humanity with each forward step taken. It's a beautiful film despite the actual reality of the matter being anything but, with perhaps one or two questionable directorial choices without which the film would've (arguably) benefited.

Although a fiction this feels so believable. It gives a real humanity to the migrants.

Life lost all its meaning when I left the movie theater.

Engrossing and at times wrenching journey through the process of refugee trading never quite decides if it wants to make a larger statement about refugee politics, but it’s still a largely impressive film, helped by the underplayed and naturalistic performances from its cast (especially as headed by Sarr and Fall). Climactic ride across the Mediterranean is a definite highpoint; despite the setup, it’s interesting the conflict doesn’t arise from weather related or mechanical issues.

That was dark, and I'm not talking about the cast. Nice Homeric twist to a grim true story.

"If only all our captains were like him", he muttered. Astounding and timely, top political filmmaking. An ending that knocks ROCKY-76 to the ground?

Super stressful. The experiences they have to endure are something.

I just couldn't connect with the story and the characters. Overrated.

The story is almost archaic, and no deeper character shadings trouble the water. What does are the images, well researched with the help of real migrants, horrifying in their depiction of an African slave trade that has never ceased existing. Garrone does what he can with a wailful score and specific touches of dream imagery to contextualize the journey for the viewer, but what is finally needed is our empathy for these kids, who are duped into misery and death by a myth.

Easily my movie of the year 2023, and quite possibly surpasses director Garrone's other masterpieces. Unflinchingly realistic, engrossingly sympathetic, and crucially important and timely.