Review of Stolen Children, The

Introduction

Based on the true story of a 9 year old prostitute, `The Stolen Children` begins in Milan with a mother giving her son Luciano money to go and buy an ice cream. He sits on the steps outside the apartment and is passed by a man who is invited in by his mother. The next scene shows the man being led away by police, protesting that he`s `related to her`. The `her` he was referring to is 11 year old Rosetta, who was being prostituted by her mother, who was also arrested, so the children are taken away to an orphanage in Sicily by Antonio, a `carabiniere`, or armed policeman.

When the children are turned away from the first orphanage, obviously due to religious objections to Rosetta, Antonio takes matters into his own hands and tries to find them a children`s home himself. During the journey, which takes them the length of Italy, a bond develops between the children and Antonio, who grow to trust him and confide in him, seeing him as the father figure they`ve never had. Furthermore, the children talk and develop a relationship with each other, seemingly for the first time in their lives. Unknown to Antonio, by straying from the designated route and timetable to give the children a more comfortable journey, he has technically kidnapped them, sparking a scandal and a manhunt.

Video

An unspectacular 1.33:1 transfer, which is slightly soft and grainy although this almost suits the subject matter and filming style.

Audio

The DD Italian 2.0 mono soundtrack is perfectly adequate for this kind of film.

The subtitles are easy to read and free from errors.

Features

Niente.

Conclusion

The title `Il Ladro di bambini` literally translates as `The Child Thief`, rather than `The Stolen Children`, but the shift of emphasis is understandable, as the film is more about Luciano and Rosetta`s journey to an uncertain future than about Antonio. However, Antonio is a well rounded character, and there is never a suggestion of anything suspicious or improper about his conduct.

Luciano and Rosetta are played by children who had previously never acted and the rest of the cast is comprised of professional and non-actors, giving the film a realistic feel. Shot in a minimalist, neo-realistic way, suiting the subject material and the child actors perfectly. The way in which Gianni Amelio allows the relationship between the brother and sister, and between them and Antonio to develop, is beautifully done and thoroughly believable.

Child abuse and abduction is a touchy subject and one that doesn`t naturally make for a film that could be watched with any ease, yet `The Stolen Children` is touching and endearing, never dwelling on the horror of Rosetta`s past or the difficulties she may face in the future.

Recommended watching, but the paucity of the package is a real shame. One for rental, rather than purchase.