Netflix 'The Hand of God': 5 things about the Italian drama starring Filippo Scotti

Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, the film was chosen as the Italian entry for the 'Best International Feature Film' at the 94th Academy Awards
UPDATED DEC 14, 2021
A still from 'The Hand of God' (Netflix)
A still from 'The Hand of God' (Netflix)

'The Hand of God' can be best described as "intriguing" and the trailer gives a glimpse of why the movie opened to positive critical acclaim when it competed for the Golden Lion at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. The drama won the Grand Jury Prize and had a limited theatrical release on November 24 as well.

The film was also chosen as the Italian entry for the 'Best International Feature Film' at the 94th Academy Awards and is all set to debut on Netflix this month. Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, the film follows the life of Fabietto Schisa in the '80s Naples as he takes life's blows and blessings on the chin as it comes. Here's what Roger Ebert's opening lines of the movie review say: "With his rich coming-of-age drama “The Hand of God,” Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino not only courts, but squashes comparisons to formative maestro Federico Fellini." Many viewers (and critics) will probably still compare “The Hand of God,” which Sorrentino wrote and directed, to Fellini’s “I Vitelloni” or “Amarcord,” and with some reason. In “The Hand of God,” Sorrentino (“The Great Beauty”) adapts events from his own life. His characters also often behave like the sort of charming, vulgar regional caricatures that Fellini sketched with vigorous broad strokes in his movies."

RELATED ARTICLES

'The New Pope’ creator Paolo Sorrentino confirms HBO drama will be getting a final season: 'It’s a trilogy'

‘The New Pope’ creator Paolo Sorrentino branded ‘liberal freak’ but series garners critical acclaim

With this, here are five things to know ahead of the movie's release on Netflix.

When does 'The Hand of God' release

'The Hand of God' releases on December 15, 2021, on Netflix. 

What is the Italian flick all about

The official synopsis reads: "From Academy Award-winning writer and director Paolo Sorrentino (Il Divo, The Great Beauty, The Young Pope) comes the story of a boy, Fabietto Schisa, set in the tumultuous Naples of the 1980s. The Hand of God is a story full of unexpected joys, such as the arrival of football legend Diego Maradona, and an equally unexpected tragedy. Fate plays its part, joy and tragedy intertwine, and Fabietto’s future is set in motion. Sorrentino returns to his hometown to tell his most personal story, a tale of fate and family, sports and cinema, love and loss."

Who stars in 'The Hand of God'

Filippo Scotti (Ivan Romano/Getty Images )

The ensemble cast comprises of Filippo Scotti as Fabietto Schisa, Toni Servillo ('The Great Beauty') as Saverio Schisa, Teresa Saponangelo ('Tartufo') as Maria Schisa, Luisa Ranieri ('Raya and the Last Dragon') as Patrizia, Massimiliano Gallo ('Me, Myself and Her ') as Franco, Renato Carpentieri as Alfredo, Marlon Joubert as Marchino Schisa, and Betti Pedrazzi as Baronessa Focale. 

Writer/Director

Paolo Sorrentino ('Rio, I Love You') writes and directs the film. Lorenzo Mieli serves as the producer.

Trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Assassin's Creed' had previously been adapted for the big screen by a 20th Century Fox movie in 2016, but it failed to live up to the expectations.
41 minutes ago
The Star Wars character was one of the marquee names in attendance, sitting next to Kate Hudson during the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday.
5 hours ago
From Michael B. Jordan winning his first Oscar to Sean Penn's no-show and a rare tie, here's a look at some of the surprises and shocking snubs this year
6 hours ago
Oscar nominees are treated to some of the most extravagant gifts from Distinctive Assets, a marketing firm in Los Angeles
7 hours ago
The 98th Academy Awards saw Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley walk away with top honors, winning the Best Actor and Actress Awards, respectively
9 hours ago
Morse's character will threaten the McLusky family's control over Kingstown in the next season of the series
10 hours ago
The sequel series was first announced as a pilot order at Hulu last February, with 'Hamnet' director Chloé Zhao at the helm
11 hours ago
Amy Madigan's portrayal of Aunt Gladys saw her win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday
12 hours ago
The TV special will see 18 former Bachelorettes welcome Taylor Frankie Paul before she takes center stage in Season 22
12 hours ago
Ahead of Season 8, the bigger question on fans' minds is if Dan Brady die sin 'Virgin River' Season 7 finale
1 day ago