Terraferma

Emanuele Crialese’s Terraferma is the story of a family whose life and livelihood is the sea. One day, while out fishing, they notice a boat filled with people in distress. The Grandfather knows it’s illegal immigrants and radio’s in to the coast guard who insist that they stay heir distance and not engage. When some of the immigrants begin swimming to the boat the Grandfather knows never to leave a person to drown in the sea and aids them. When he finds one of them pregnant he decides to head home and help her rather then allow her to be taken into custody by the Coast Guard. 

 

Terraferma is a relevant picture in that it shows the plight of the small island where the family live. Fishing and tourism is all they know and even that isn’t paying the bills. Unfortunately the fishing boat they own is damaged and would make them more money if they demolished it. Everyone but Grandpa and young Filippo are desperate to demolish the boat and begin anew with work that is more stable. The arrival of immigrants that will put them in economical and legal trouble is a divide the family will have to overcome or sink by. 

 

In this day and age, where illegal immigration is a hot button issue, especially in these trying economic time, Terraferma will speak to everyone. It’s message is clear. If you were in the situation where helping, even in an illegal aspect, to save a life, would you do what’s right or would you remain in the gray area that is pushed sociologically, politically, and lawfully?

 

PICTURE QUALITY:

Terraferma is an absolute reference quality gem on Blu-Ray. The beauty of the Sicilian seaside island is captivating from the crystal blue waters to the red and brown adorned hillsides. Skin tones are natural, detail is super sharp displaying beads of sweat on torso’s to individual strands of beard hair. The picture is just immaculately done with very little room for complaint. Possible noise in the far off distance of wide sea shots facing the island would trigger slight alarms to someone who cares enough to take notice, but to the average viewer who is simply viewing to enjoy, it’s a treasure trove of eye candy. 

 

BONUS FEATURES:

The disc is very limited to a behind the scenes feature that runs just under 30 minutes and the films trailer.