Salvatore. Questa è la vita (2006)
A tender Italian drama about a young Sicilian boy's fight to protect his family and the teacher who refuses to give up on him.
Salvatore. Questa è la vita - Movie Information
- Original Title: Salvatore. Questa è la vita
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Gian Paolo Cugno
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 31, 2006 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Salvatore (ES)
Salvatore. Questa è la vita - Plot
Salvatore is a young orphan, living in Sicily with his little sister and his grandmother; after loosing his father in a tragic way he quits school and starts working as a fisherman and a farmer in order to support his little family. The Social Services soon discover the situation and resolve to put Salvatore in an orphanage, parting him from his family. Only a young, idealistic teacher (Enrico Lo Verso) tries to help him, going everyday after school to his house, to teach him the lessons he misses in the morning and to work with him in his greenhouse or on his fishing boat.
Salvatore. Questa è la vita - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this intimate Sicilian drama.
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Salvatore. Questa è la vita - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gian Paolo Cugno
Main Cast
- Enrico Lo Verso
- Galatea Ranzi
- Lucia Sardo
- Maurizio Nicolosi
- Giancarlo Giannini
- Gabriele Lavia
- Ernesto Mahieux
- Alessandro Mallia
Writers
- Gian Paolo Cugno
- Paolo Di Reda
Producers
- Pietro Innocenzi
Salvatore. Questa è la vita - FAQs
What is Salvatore. Questa è la vita about?
The film follows Salvatore, a young Sicilian orphan who drops out of school to work as a fisherman and farmer to support his grandmother and little sister. When Social Services threaten to separate the family, a dedicated young teacher steps in to help, visiting daily to continue Salvatore's education.
Who are the main actors in Salvatore. Questa è la vita?
The cast features Enrico Lo Verso as the idealistic teacher Marco Brioni, Alessandro Mallia as young Salvatore, Giancarlo Giannini as Timpaliscia, Gabriele Lavia as the Direttore, Lucia Sardo as Nonna Maria, Galatea Ranzi, Ernesto Mahieux, and Maurizio Nicolosi.
Who directed Salvatore. Questa è la vita?
Salvatore. Questa è la vita was directed by Gian Paolo Cugno, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Paolo Di Reda. The film is a heartfelt Italian production set against the rugged, sun-drenched landscapes of Sicily.
When was Salvatore. Questa è la vita released?
Salvatore. Questa è la vita had its Italian release on October 31, 2006. The film is also known under the alternative title Salvatore in Spain, and it represents a touching slice of contemporary Italian social cinema.
Is Salvatore. Questa è la vita based on a true story?
While Salvatore. Questa è la vita is not based on a single documented true story, its narrative draws deeply from real social conditions in Sicily — child poverty, family separation by welfare authorities, and the transformative role of dedicated educators in underserved communities.
How long is Salvatore. Questa è la vita?
Salvatore. Questa è la vita runs for 90 minutes, making it a compact and emotionally focused drama. Its tight runtime keeps the story intimate and moving, never overstaying its welcome while delivering a genuinely affecting portrait of resilience and human kindness.
What language is Salvatore. Questa è la vita in?
The film is entirely in Italian, reflecting its authentic Sicilian setting and cultural roots. The original language is Italian, and the spoken language throughout is Italian, lending the story a natural, immersive quality that grounds its emotional realism.
What are similar movies to Salvatore. Questa è la vita?
If you enjoyed this film, you might also love The Stolen Children (1992), Umberto D. (1952), Giovanna's Father (2008), Golden Door (2006), Bread and Tulips (2000), and The Hidden Child (2021) — all Italian films exploring themes of family, resilience, and social hardship with warmth and humanity.
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