"I don't like reality anymore. Reality is lousy". Sorrentino takes us on a romanticized tour of his hometown through the memories of his teenage years. Both the beautiful city and the bizarre characters we meet along the way are not shown for what they really are, but as they are seen through the artist's eyes. Yet, they still manage to feel tangible and authentic from the audience's perspective. Fiction should always reflect the artist's sensibility, but it's only when it keeps a close bond with reality that it manages to touch other people's hearts.

The Little Monk felt a little out of place, but other than that, it's an elegant movie that manages to feel both intriguing and genuine throughout. It's almost entirely contemplative and uneventful, but it will be hard to take your eyes off it.