FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
I'M NOT SCARED.
The title is definitely misleading because - to the contrary - I was scared. This well-crafted Italian
film is a brilliant and successful thriller, with special acclaim to Italo Petriccione’s superb
cinematography and the impeccable acting. Every turn of story will pull you further into
suspense; once seated, you will clutch your fists, squint your eyes, and hold your breath until the
very end.
Set in the beautiful rural corn fields of Basilicata and Puglia in southern Italy, I'm Not
Scared is seen from the eyes of Michele (Cristiano), a 10-year-old boy. Not much occurs in his remote
village; and to Michele, life is quite bland. But one day, he falls upon a mysterious boy, pale,
thin, and almost dead, secretly held captive in a dark underground hole. Frightened but
intrigued, Michele sets out to unravel the boy's identity. Lead by his inherent curiosity, Michele
gradually reaches a shocking revelation.
Rest assured, this is no horror movie. There is little, if any, blood or gory scenes. In fact, most of
the film is pleasing to the eye. The contrast between the bright golden corn fields and the dark
damp underground effectively amplifies the juxtaposition of good and evil. Also, the children,
the essence of the film, are to be applauded for their phenomenal performance. They are more
than at ease in front of the camera. Touching and horrifying, I’m Not Scared certainly and
successfully captivates the audience; I should note there were several moments everyone, young
and old, literally jumped in their seats. Hazuki Aikawa, journalist, director of the documentary Yancha
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