MovieChat Forums > Gomorra (2009) Discussion > I thought the film was very humanistic.

I thought the film was very humanistic.

posted 15 years ago by solidus19
2 replies | jump to latest

I've read reviews either praising or criticizing the film's "coldness" or distancing of the viewers from the characters. I actually felt the film very carefully built empathy for many if not all of the characters. I pitied or sympathized with nearly every character, especially the young boy and two teenagers. Their vulnerability was so palpable and sad.

I think the film focuses its condemnation on unrestricted capitalist society and posits greed as a disease that spreads when even our morality is up for sale. I though the film was brilliant, one of the best of 2008.

[–] Revolutionow 15 years ago

I agree on all points. I especially appreciated the treatment of the upper level Camorra businessman and his apprentice (for lack of a better word). The greed portrayed in the film seems to culminate with the scene involving the property owner on his deathbed. The young man has to leave the room as he can no longer stomach this exploitation, walks outside and we see how incredibly green and beautiful (in contrast with the sluminess and darkness of the rest of the film) the surrounding area is. The old woman brings him peaches, fruit that will certainly not be grown after the land is poisoned with Europe's unwanted toxic waste. The Camorra businessman tells the young man to throw the peaches by the roadside, they stink he says. Perhaps they stink of the innocence that he has been exploiting and destroying. A beautifully handled passage, in my opinion.

All I can think about are dudes.

[–] ultimatepork 15 years ago

Completely agree, the scene with the peaches was incredible. About midway through this movie I wasn't sure about it because I was confused about a lot of things but by the end all my questions were answered and I really think this is one of the best movies I've ever seen.