The story follows 15-year-old Nicola and his group of friends living in the Sanità neighborhood of Naples.
Seeking to escape poverty and the "protection money" taxes levied on their families' small businesses, the boys choose a life of crime. La paranza dei bambini
Set against a gritty, un-stylized Naples, it highlights how crime often feels like the only "logical" path to success in underserved communities. Critical Reception & Production The story follows 15-year-old Nicola and his group
Critics often describe it as a "chilling" and "archetypical gangster rise and fall" story that strips away the glamor usually associated with mob films. Critical Reception & Production Critics often describe it
Director Claudio Giovannesi used non-professional actors from Naples to give the film a sense of "freshness and nativity".
It examines the seductive nature of "easy money" and the status that comes with high-end designer clothes and exclusive nightclub tables.
The film won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival.