Many families enjoy the mature tension of the coming-of-age story “Stand By Me,” and we’ll get back to that excellent, dark adventure in a future column.
But this week we want to highlight an Italian version of the same mood called “I’m Not Scared” in which a boy has to show courage without flinching from his new discovery that adults behave badly.
Young Michele lives in an isolated, sun- baked Italian village, bickering with his family and his friends. One night he makes a terrifying find: another young boy, chained in a pit and apparently held for ransom.
Who did it? What should Michele do to help? What if his own parents are involved? The film is all too literal, but it works on psychological levels, as well: Does the feral captive reflect some shadowy portion of Michele’s personality yet to reveal itself?
“I’m Not Scared” is more disturbing than most family movies we recommend, but with your older ‘tweens and teens, it is a thrilling drama. And it connects you with the Starz Denver Film Festival opening this week – “I’m Not Scared” was one of the top features in the 2003 version of the film fest.
Each Tuesday, Michael Booth uncovers a movie gem for rewarding family entertainment. Reach him at 303-954-1686 or mbooth@denverpost.com; find the “Screen Team” blog at denverpostbloghouse.com.
“I’m Not Scared | Rated: R for disturbing images and subject matter; in Italian, with subtitles Most appealing: Children 11 or
older
