My Brother Chases Dinosaurs
2019 · Directed by Stefano Cipani
Original language: Italian
- comedy
- family
The story
As a child, Jack believed the tender lie his parents told him, that Gio was a special being with superpowers, as in a comic book. Now that he is about to go to high school, however, Jack no longer believes that his brother is a superhero, in fact, he is almost ashamed of him, especially since he met Arianna, the first love of his life.
What it’s like
Warm, bright, and conventionally polished, with sunlit domestic interiors, school corridors, and ordinary Italian streets shot in clean daylight that keeps the mood open rather than moody. The tone is gentle comedy with a tender ache underneath: a sweet, funny, sometimes embarrassing family story that softens into emotional honesty. Pacing is easy and episodic, built around everyday moments, small humiliations, and conversations at the kitchen table, so it suits a relaxed family viewing, a comfort watch on a lazy afternoon, or a light evening when you want something warm without stakes. Its arc follows a teenage boy moving from shame toward a more generous understanding of his older brother, who has autism, and the family's love is shown through patience and humour rather than melodrama. Intensity is low: no graphic violence, no gore, and no sexual content, with only mild teasing, a few tense family arguments, and sadness handled gently. It is for viewers who want a feel-good, heartfelt family film with real warmth and an unforced, uncynical hopefulness.
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