In the summer of 1982 in Sicily, Gianni (Samuele Segreto) works for her abusive step-father as a car mechanic and is relentlessly taunted by the men of the village for being gay. Disconnected from his mother Lina (Simona Malato), Gianni finds a new friend in teenager Nino (Gabriele Pizzurro) when the two literally collide with one another. As Gianni and Nino spend time with one another, they quickly form a close bond that blossoms into romance, but they have to keep their relationship secret from their families. With homosexuality a taboo, the boys are watched by everyone around them and it’s not long before rumours start to spread.
‘Fireworks’ is based on a real-life incident that took place in Italy before the Italian Gay Rights movement in 1981. I won’t divulge anything further about that incident because to do so would spoil the outcome of the film. You may be forgiven for going into ‘Fireworks’ thinking that it’s just another coming-of-age film about teenagers finding their sexuality, but this film is much more than that. It’s a sensitive exploration of the innocence of young love between two boys who know they’re risking everything by being honest with themselves.
Gianni has less to lose than Nino. His mother prioritises her marriage over her son and no one in the town really steps into protect Gianni from the abuse he suffers from the men who work nearby. His one friend Turi (Alessio Simonetti) is secretly closeted himself and has his eyes set on fulfilling his lust with Gianni. On several occasions during the course of the film Turi attempts to protect Gianni but he’s likely more concerned about people finding out about his true desires.
When Gianni meets Nino, his life changes. Nino is from a big family that genuinely seems to enjoy being around one another. Nino’s father is determined to make a man out of his son, taking him and Nino’s younger brother hunting. They welcome Gianni into the family as Nino’s friend, but gossip from the town starts to cast doubt about the boy in the mind of Nino’s mother. Nino for his part is a seemingly carefree youngster who is excited to have a new friend, and unlike Gianni hasn’t really understood his own sexuality.
Where ‘Fireworks’ comes alive is in the scenes between Gianni and Nino. Actors Samuele Segreto and Gabriele Pizzurro create a relationship that is tender and innocent, allowing their characters the room to explore the growing attraction between them. More similar than they initially realise, the boys become inseparable and that doesn’t help the rumours surrounding Gianni’s sexuality. Segreto and Pizzurro deliver fine performances, both proving what capable talents they are and working incredibly well opposite one another.
‘Fireworks’ is a little on the lengthy side at two hours and 14 minutes but oddly the film feels like it had more story to tell by the time the credits roll. Director Giuseppe Fiorello really captures the feel of society in Sicily in the early 80s and it’s remarkable to think just how far times have changed in the past 40 or so years. Gianni and Nino’s love story is one that is deeply engaging, offering optimism and hope despite the challenges they face.
Cast: Samuele Segreto, Gabriele Pizzurro, Simona Malato, Fabrizia Sacchi Director: Giuseppe Fiorello Writers: Andrea Cedrola & Giuseppe Fiorello Certificate: Unrated Duration: 134 mins Released by: Cinephobia Releasing Release date: 18th January 2024
