Fireworks (2023)

Fireworks

• I wasn’t at all prepared for this. I had an idea of what it would be like, but it catches you off guard at the last moment and you’re left depressed. Minor spoiler there. As a whole, it’s a very touching love story between two boys in a very suppressive environment. It takes place in 1982 Italy, when homosexuality was highly frowned upon, and there was lots of discrimination. So when Gianni and Nino fall in love, you hope for the best for them, but with their neighbors and families being absolute jerks, it makes you feel very conflicted. Emotionally. You want them to live happily and be in love, but it’s not that easy for them. The characters are written so well and realistically, and not once did this feel like a film, but real life. It’s also based on real people, but don’t familiarize yourself with them beforehand, because it will take away some of the emotional impact of the film. Just trust me on that. I also loved the culture that seeps through the screen (minus the stupid attitudes that the townspeople have). You get a glimpse of simple life in simpler times. Unfortunately, those simpler times weren’t always kind. My last thought is that the acting from Samuele Segreto and Gabriele Pizzurro were phenomenal. They were both so joyous and carefree, though you feel the burden they carry. Especially the very last shot of the two of them. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking. That’s all I’ll say about this film. It’s one that you can’t effectively describe, but only feel. So I’ll let you experience it for yourself. There’s no excuse not to. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!