I'm Not Scared (2003)

During the 1970s, in Italy‘s “Years of Lead”, a nine-year-old boy, Michele Amitrano, discovers a child, apparently abandoned or imprisoned in a pit. He tries to help, not realising the implications for his own family and their involvement in the situation.

Directed by Gabriele Salvatores, it’s a powerful drama and the performances are remarkable. Giuseppe Cristiano is incredibly believable, with none of the self consciousness that often affects child actors. The little girl who plays his sweet younger sister, is also fantastic. 

Ultimately it’s an extremely sad film about poverty and its effects on a community.