This was a really good movie. The performances were all around excellent but the young actor who plays Martin was absolutely amazing. The scene at his mother's burial would be Oscar worthy if this were an American film. But it is more than that very emotional and heartbreaking scene that makes this performance so fantastic. This actor creates a strong character of a young boy who deals with his mother's death better than his father and brother. He is the strong one in the family, the one who takes control of the situation and makes things happen, despite being the youngest. There are some frank sexual situations but that is not the main thrust of the film. It really is about the strength of this youngster in a difficult situation. With the wrong actor as Martin this film would not have worked. But they found a brilliant young actor who gives one of the best portrayals of a young adolescent ever filmed. Highly recommended.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Amahl and the Night Visitors
(1963 TV Movie)
Paley Center has this one
29 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is available for viewing at the Paley Center for Media. I watched it today and liked it quite a bit. I actually liked it better than the 1951, 1952 and 1955 broadcasts (all of which I own). At first I thought the actor playing Amahl seemed too old, but he grew on me. The actress playing the mother was excellent. I've always thought the most moving part of this opera was when Amahl falls into his mother's arms after the "Don't you dare". This one was particularly moving and I really found myself tearing up. Too bad this one was not available on home video. But apparently Menotti was not pleased with it --it was probably more of an ego thing since this was directed by Kirk Browning just like all the other telecasts.
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