Pure Hearts (2017)
A quietly moving Italian drama about faith, desire, and an unlikely romance between two souls from opposite worlds.
Pure Hearts - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cuori puri
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Roberto De Paolis
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 21, 2017 (Italy - T), January 3, 2018 (France)
- Alternative Titles: Coeurs purs (FR)
- Production Companies: RAI Cinema, Young Films
- Production Countries: Italy
Pure Hearts - Plot
Agnese and Stefano are profoundly different. She is only seventeen, lives with her mother – a harsh and devoted woman – is a regular church-goer and is about to take a vow of chastity to last until marriage. He is twenty-five, has a violent temper and a difficult past behind. He works as a warden in a car park that borders a Roma camp. Their unexpected meeting engenders a true sentiment, made of little stolen moments and mutual help.
Pure Hearts - Trailer
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Pure Hearts - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Roberto De Paolis
Main Cast
- Selene Caramazza
- Simone Liberati
- Barbora Bobuľová
- Stefano Fresi
- Edoardo Pesce
- Antonella Attili
- Federico Pacifici
- Alexia Murray
- Francesco Primavera
- Nick Nicolosi
Writers
- Luca Infascelli
- Carlo Salsa
- Roberto De Paolis
- Greta Scicchitano
Producers
- Carla Altieri
- Roberto De Paolis
Pure Hearts - FAQs
What is Pure Hearts about?
Pure Hearts follows Agnese, a devout seventeen-year-old preparing to take a vow of chastity, and Stefano, a rough-edged twenty-five-year-old with a troubled past who works near a Roma camp in Rome. Their unexpected connection grows into a tender, quietly powerful romance built on stolen moments and genuine mutual care.
Who are the lead actors in Pure Hearts?
The film stars Selene Caramazza as Agnese, the young devout girl at the heart of the story, and Simone Liberati as Stefano, the volatile yet vulnerable young man she falls for. Their chemistry is widely regarded as one of the film's greatest strengths.
Who directed Pure Hearts?
Pure Hearts was directed by Roberto De Paolis, who also co-wrote the screenplay. It marked his feature debut, and the film earned considerable praise for his sensitive, naturalistic approach to storytelling and his ability to draw deeply authentic performances from his cast.
When and where was Pure Hearts released?
Pure Hearts had its Italian release on April 21, 2017, followed by a French release on January 3, 2018. The film is also known by its French title Coeurs purs and its original Italian title Cuori puri.
Did Pure Hearts win any awards?
Yes! Pure Hearts earned strong recognition on the festival circuit. Selene Caramazza won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival's Horizons section in 2017, a remarkable achievement for a debut performance that brought real emotional depth and authenticity to the role of Agnese.
How does faith shape the story in Pure Hearts?
Faith is central to the film's tension. Agnese's deep religious conviction and her vow of chastity create a powerful internal conflict as her feelings for Stefano grow. The film explores how sincere belief can coexist with — and be tested by — the messy, unscripted reality of human desire and connection.
What makes Pure Hearts stand out as a romance?
Rather than relying on grand gestures, Pure Hearts finds beauty in restraint. The romance between Agnese and Stefano unfolds through small, quiet moments — a glance, a shared silence, an act of unexpected kindness. De Paolis captures the fragile, electric feeling of two very different people genuinely seeing each other.
What are some films similar to Pure Hearts?
If Pure Hearts moved you, you might also enjoy Hungry Hearts (2015), On My Skin (2018), Euphoria (2018), La vita possibile (2016), and Finally Dawn (2024). These films share a similar emotional intimacy, grounded Italian storytelling, or a focus on characters navigating love and identity under difficult circumstances.
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