Didn't see these responses of trevor and Oscar earlier. Yes, some of the action is improvised, actually quite a lot, based on the personality of the boy. That is confirmed in European discussions that I accessed last year. I have a lot of respect for this film, it was my first Gianni Amelio and has led me to go on and watch others, but I have still not gone far in his oeurve. Saw it in Paris and then again later in New York with English subtitles. I too would recommend this. It is based on an autobiographical novel by Giuseppe Pottiglia, Nati due vole (born twice.) I have a copy but have not gotten around to reading it. I think it's a bit hard saying there are only two good italian directors, but I'll admit the production doesn't look very good these days. Some things don't even get a good showing in Italy itself but area allowed to die quietly. What about Matteo Garrone of L'imbalsamatore? What about Pupi Avati? i like Marco Ponti's recent work.....