3/424 - Io Capitano - 6/10

A presumably tough story about Nigerian boys pursuing their dream of crossing Africa to travel to Europe. It is charming and stirring before being harshed by the abundant terrors that try to lay waste to their souls and their dreams. Matteo Garrone does a fine job of capturing the viewer in the dread that soaks their every moment, while sprinkling some magical realism into the mix perhaps to both provide hope and while capitalizing on the crushing despair. The dream of the otherworldly is the only true escape avenue they have.

It grows a bit long in the tooth as it progresses but still stays emotionally relevant and has both lovely shots and well edited story.