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Fireworks

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2:10

Fireworks

2023

2h 14m

Drama

Romance

LGBTQ+

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Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

June 1982, Sicily. While Italians dream of winning the World Cup, two adolescents dream of living their love story without fear. Gianni 17, is bullied because of his homosexuality but his life changes when he meets by accident Nino 16, a captivating and innocent boy. The profound friendship they develop will without embarrassment turn into love, as they start working together for Nino’s father, shooting fireworks. When their bond is discovered by their families, the consequences are as violent as the times and mores are conservative. The two teenagers are separated by force but ready to challenge everything and everyone, convinced their love can defeat death.

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Adam Mullins-Khatib

Chicago Reader

Fireworks, more than anything, is earnest. Its story is tumultuous, yet Fiorello manages to steer his debut on a touching trajectory.

Jan 26, 2024

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Fireworks has the look and feel of inevitable sadness and a collective call for an end to LGBTQ hatred.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 24, 2024

Full Review

Bobby LePire

Film Threat

Fireworks is an endearing but tragic film. The direction is spot-on, and the sundrenched cinematography is stunning. Every actor delivers, and the ending will move everyone watching.

Rated: 10/10

Jan 26, 2024

Full Review

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Expanding on true-life events, filmmaker Giuseppe Fiorello takes his time building this world with an attention to detail, creating complex characters and situations that speak to a specific time and place while also resonating strongly today.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 23, 2024

Full Review

John Paul King

Washington Blade

Fiorello’s evocative movie is a sense of beauty, of victory claimed rather than thwarted. The filmmaker honors the memories of his characters’ real-world inspirations by celebrating the love they found instead of lamenting the fate that befell them.

Jan 22, 2024

Full Review

Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

It’s the community around them—even, disappointingly, parental figures—that proves sordid and destructive, rather than same-sex desire. A very well-crafted drama.

Jan 22, 2024

Full Review

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Michael F

An excellent film with a fine cast based on a true story about two Sicilian teens who fell in love and were ostracized by the community as well as their own families.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

Full Review

Nate S

A thoughtful and moving slow burn of a film with strong Call Me By Your Name vibes: a queer summer romance set in 1980's Italy, gorgeously shot, with vibrant performances. Somehow, it was simultaneously happier and sadder than Luca Guadagnino's gem, with an ending that is both beautifully satisfying and devastatingly heartbreaking.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/21/24

Full Review

Brad B

I thought this film was great. Loved the depictions of Sicily and life in 1980. Great acting from the two leads. 5 out of 5

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

Tom D

Although it is slow at the beginning and a bit long at 2 hours and 14 minutes, I still recommend it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/21/24

Full Review

Uttkarsh B

With a big heart, tremendous talent, and stunning direction. this film was an absolute gut punch that I loved.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/01/24

Full Review

Peter G

Great movie up until the end. Read the background to prepare yourself for that last few seconds.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

Full Review

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Beppe Fiorello

Director

Samuele Segreto

Gianni Accordino

Simona Malato

Lina

Enrico Roccaforte

Franco

Simone Raffaele Cordiano

Totò

Antonio De Matteo

Alfredo

Fireworks: Trailer 1

2:10

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Synopsis

June 1982, Sicily. While Italians dream of winning the World Cup, two adolescents dream of living their love story without fear. Gianni 17, is bullied because of his homosexuality but his life changes when he meets by accident Nino 16, a captivating and innocent boy. The profound friendship they develop will without embarrassment turn into love, as they start working together for Nino’s father, shooting fireworks. When their bond is discovered by their families, the consequences are as violent as the times and mores are conservative. The two teenagers are separated by force but ready to challenge everything and everyone, convinced their love can defeat death.

Director: Beppe Fiorello
Distributor: Cinephobia Releasing
Production Co: Fenix Entertainment
Genre: Drama, Romance, LGBTQ+
Original Language: Italian
Release Date (DVD): Jan 16, 2024
Runtime: 2h 14m

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