Miracolo a Milano

“Life is like this – and life isn’t like this” appears at the start of this fantastical fairy tale about poverty and wealth, goodness, solidarity and the dream of justice. It begins with a new-born child in a cabbage patch on the edge of the city. The foundling become homeless after having to leave the orphanage at 18, whereupon “Totò, the Good” starts working as a compassionate and friendly helper in a shanty town on the edge of Milan. When oil is discovered in the area and the rich landowner drives the people out of their huts, the impoverished community set out to find the land where “good morning really means good morning”. Vittorio De Sica’s neorealist fairy tale sings the praises of goodness and care – and is one of Otar Iosseliani’s favorite films. (hjf)