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The Keys to the House (2004) Reviews

The Keys to the House (2004)
Member Rating:  
A man makes friends with his teenaged son for the first time in this emotional drama from Italy. Gianni (Kim Rossi Stuart) fathered a child with his wife, but she died in childbirth, and the baby was born with severe physical and mental handicaps. The boy, Paolo (Andrea Rossi), was raised by the late woman's family until he reached the age of 15, when Gianni decided he wanted to meet and spend time with his son. With Paolo scheduled for treatment with medical specialists in Germany, Gianni offers to pick up his son and travel with him to Berlin. At first, Gianni is taken aback by the extent of his son's disabilities, but he also sees the great warmth and charm that his son possesses, and over the course of their first few days together, Gianni begins to feel a real bond with Paolo for the first time. While in Berlin, Gianni makes friends with Nicole (Charlotte Rampling), a woman whose daughter faces many of the same challenges as Paolo, and through her he begins to appreciate the responsibilities and the rewards of caring for a handicapped child. La Chiavi di Casa (aka The Keys to the House) was screened in competition at the 2004 Venice Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Kim Rossi Stuart, Charlotte Rampling, (more)
Director(s):
Gianni Amelio
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(7 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

STEVEN R.

Not a fan of subtitles at all, but this movie grabbed me from the beginning and I could not stop. A beautiful, heartfelt story. If you do not shed a tear, you haven't a heart. Wonderful casting, directing and screen writing. If you are a parent or thinking of being a parent....Please rent this movie. You won't be dissapointed. Great ending.

Yes   |   No


Greg C.

A very beautiful movie. A simple and very powerful and emotional story covering heart break, obligations, love, acceptance and human goodness. Well written, acted, directed, and filmed.

Yes   |   No


June H.

The film tells the story of Gianni, a thirty something man who fathered a child as a teenager. Fifteen years later, He learns that his son Paolo, who is severely disabled, would benefit from contact with his father and it is at this point the film begins. Gianni is surprised at how quickly he feels love for the child, due largely to the genuineness of Paolo, but in his first few days of meeting his son, he also begins to discover the complexities that will inevitably be a part of this relationship. At the end of the film we are left wondering what will happen to the pair, which could be a "happily ever after" scenario or abandonment. I cannot help but see how viewers will be moved by this film. Though the film is generally upbeat, there are no "feel good" moments in it, but the film doesn't need it. The character of Paolo whose goodness and heart are so evident throughout the film does what so many other films cannot do. Its honesty will challenge anyone.

Yes   |   No


Ernesto C.

Great Movie! I loved the relatioinship that grew between the father and son. Even after not being involved in his son's life early on, Gianni fell in love with his wonderful son and forged ahead in a life of caring for and just being a part of his son's life. Paolo, the son, was fantastic in this heart felt movie. I would definitely recommend this movie although I too am not a big fan of subtitles, as they are usually too fast and/or in the wrong colors to be read. Take the plunge and rent this movie.

Yes   |   No


Kurt S.

This is an beautifully rendered heart-felt story of love, regret, acceptance, and redemption. The performances of Kim Rossi Stuart and Charlotte Rampling are understated yet powerful, and that of Andrea Rossi (Paolo) is truly exceptional.

Yes   |   No


Keith G.

This could have been sentimental dreck in Hollywood. A father who abandoned handicapped son comes back to help care for him. But as handled by Amelio, with his neo-realist style, while it does have a handful of over-the-top moments, it is more than redeemed by other, powerfully sad scenes that acknowledge just how hard caring for a disabled child can be. There are a few logic holes in the plot, but the acting is terrific, and when the film gets unflinchingly honest at key points, it really earns the heartbreak it causes.

Yes   |   No


Joseph W.

For those who have never had the experience nor ever will; it is a statement of doing something wrong in your youth that you correct in your adulthood. It is apparent that the keyword here is being/feeling awkward. The child being the most important thing this movie is perhaps a testiment to the government's apparent manuvering back into the "Roe vs Wade" decision again. If correct, the child was left in the womb about ninety minutes after the mother had died and the effects he and the remaining parent had to live with for over fifteen years before they could reconcile themselves to each other. Even after being told he was loved, the child had to test it by being obnoxious on a ride home which brought the movie to a close with tears on both sides. All this and being mentally and physically impaired, the child that is, the parent had/has yet to find their way out of his mental hell along with his now wife and other (new) child back home.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    STEVEN R.

    Not a fan of subtitles at all, but this movie grabbed me from the beginning and I could not stop. A beautiful, heartfelt story. If you do not shed a tear, you haven't a heart. Wonderful casting, directing and screen writing. If you are a parent or thinking of being a parent....Please rent this movie. You won't be dissapointed. Great ending.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Greg C.

    A very beautiful movie. A simple and very powerful and emotional story covering heart break, obligations, love, acceptance and human goodness. Well written, acted, directed, and filmed.

    Yes   |   No

     
    June H.

    The film tells the story of Gianni, a thirty something man who fathered a child as a teenager. Fifteen years later, He learns that his son Paolo, who is severely disabled, would benefit from contact with his father and it is at this point the film begins. Gianni is surprised at how quickly he feels love for the child, due largely to the genuineness of Paolo, but in his first few days of meeting his son, he also begins to discover the complexities that will inevitably be a part of this relationship. At the end of the film we are left wondering what will happen to the pair, which could be a "happily ever after" scenario or abandonment. I cannot help but see how viewers will be moved by this film. Though the film is generally upbeat, there are no "feel good" moments in it, but the film doesn't need it. The character of Paolo whose goodness and heart are so evident throughout the film does what so many other films cannot do. Its honesty will challenge anyone.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 7 Reviews
       

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