It is a performances centric movie

Admirable film.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Blistering performances.

Long time i didn't watch such a natural movie where characters act as they are, simply human beings.We often see egoistic, narcissism behavior and in many movies characters behave like nobody in real life. In this one you see people acting like people, the way how they dressed to the way how they behave-everything seems normal, they are people right? Not some fake Holly_Wood(A.K.A. Bullywood) horrible persons from fake ping glass world that make you to puke. This is the reason why Europe production is powerful, especially Italian. It's unique,intelligent and most important: They respect viewers, they don't assault intelligence of viewer. You definitely must watch this movie, don't miss it.

With its great plot, this is one of the best foreign films out there. It achieves what can't be done in America with its artistry, openness, sorrow and desire; all while sometimes being very simple. "I'm Not Scared" has convincing characters, a realistic feel, great acting, and is always interesting. Do not ignore seeing this movie! You should not regret watching it in the slightest. It is a movie not just worth seeing, but worth owning in my opinion. It saddens me to know that most people probably have never seen this film or read the book, which encouraged me to write this review. If you are looking for a movie to add to your watchlist, look no further.

In beautiful southern Italy, 1978, sensitive ten-year-old Giuseppe Cristiano (as Michele) plays with his friends, in a hot, deserted area (likely forbidden by their parents). After some bullying games, they leave; then, young Mr. Cristiano goes back to retrieve his little sister's broken glasses. Alone, he discovers a secret door to an underground pit, containing kidnapped Mattia Di Pierro (as Filippo). At first, Cristiano is frightened by the trapped figure. But, he goes back and begins to communicate with the other boy.Living in a hole has driven young Mr. Di Pierro a little crazy. He thinks he must be dead, and Cristiano is his "guardian angel". Eventually, a terrifying secret about Di Pierro brings the kidnapped boy closer and closer to Cristiano… "I'm Not Scared" (in English) features great locations, beautifully photographed and directed by Italo Petriccione and Gabriele Salvatores. The collaborators are certainly up to their award-winning "Mediterraneo" (1991). On the down side, Mr. Salvatores allows "Io non ho paura" to lose itself in slumbering artiness when it could be both beautiful and (more) suspenseful. Not showing "learned" acting, Cristiano and the natural young performers are outstanding.******* Io non ho paura (2/8/03) Gabriele Salvatores ~ Giuseppe Cristiano, Mattia Di Pierro, Diego Abatantuono, Dino Abbrescia

The real mastery in this film lies in the beautiful simplicity of it's childlikeness. There are few movies in Cinema that portray the innocence and unfeigned nature of children - before the loss of their transparency on the way to adulthood. I know the French film Ponette might come to mind for some lovers of cinema, but that was shot entirely from the perspective of little children almost to the exclusion of grown ups. This film shows the stark contrast of the two worlds by interweaving them, with childhood itself being one of the main characters, as landscapes were for John Ford in so many of his Westerns. Toward the end, it reaches for the sublime in moments of Michelangelo.For me, the emotional interaction of these very young non actors made the movie spiritual to some degree by way of it's sheer honesty, without compromising the true spirituality in the principles and very adult themes of good vs. evil, betrayal, forgiveness, reaping what you sow, the coming Judgment, and finally - true friendship born of selflessness. Something we adults could learn more from by becoming more like little children ourselves, myself included. I believe this to be one of the best expressions of the young mind in realism, without crossing over into the fantasy that is so common in film today. How refreshing.Of course all of this speaks for the excellence of the Director and the Writer, who gave us such a beautiful picture. Something that could only be pulled off by adults, albeit with at least the fond memory of a child, if not the heart of one. The cinematography, the very intentional and gorgeous classical score, along with much subtle but deep contrast, make this a modern classic that I will enjoy again and again. I hope you do too.http://fullgrownministry.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/peace/