Saturno Contro (Saturn in Oposition)

A seriously strong drama about death, friendship and love, directed by Ferzan Ozpetek and played by an excellent and consistent ensemble cast is one movie not to miss. It’s been long since the last time I saw a drama like this one that makes you feel everything that is going on and yes, you will shed tears.

This is my first Ozpetek movie and consequently I do not know if this one is similar to his previous work, but some critics and viewers claim that Ozpetek has found a winning formula that he repeats one and another time. No matter if is true or not, the formula works and this sensitive film will move you especially after this ill-matched group of friends face the death of one of them.

One outstanding feature about this film is the music that plays as an antagonist to what you are seeing and what you are feeling, the end result of mixing happy music with a sad moment makes you feel more distraught by the story. Which makes me think that this is an excellent use of music that becomes part of the story and is not just part of a climax or background.

As mentioned in several reviews this film had a timely release with the issue of legalized gay marriage in Italy and Ozpetek with his smooth approach and lack of dramatic urgency, presents a sympathetically drawn, unthreatening gay characters that are practically an advertisement for this hot political topic. If is true or not, the fact is that it has the best homosexual characters I have ever seen portrayed in film as besides being completely credible -as represents reality for many- their relationship is totally intense and naturally loving.

I wanted to write more about the story, but I don’t want to spoil the plot for those that have not seen it. If you want to learn more here is the link to the Italian site of the movie.

Fantastic drama not for all audiences, this is a movie for those that celebrate friendship.