L' INIZIAZIONE

Cinemavixion Review

Michael Pearce's 1987 film "L'iniziazione" (The Initiation) plunges into the complex aftermath of loss as young Danny, reeling from his mother's death, embarks on a journey from Brooklyn to Australia to find his estranged father. Upon arrival, he discovers his father has built a new life, complete with a wife and daughter, and Danny's presence is far from welcomed. His inherent tendency to find trouble quickly becomes apparent. A pivotal turn occurs when an Aboriginal shaman takes Danny under his wing, initiating him into the profound and often dramatic world of visions. This narrative explores themes of belonging, identity, and the perilous consequences of confronting hidden truths, set against the evocative backdrop of the Australian landscape.