Riddle of Fire

A likable children’s adventure in 1980s garb, with fairy-tale music and shot in magical 16 mm. A hunt for eggs for mom’s cake, paintball gear, a conflict with a wanted gang led by a malicious sectarian, the beautiful scenery of the western American mountains. The acting is slightly dull (particularly the cowboy from the gang) as if it was part of the director’s game with the children’s naïve perception of reality. Weston Razooli loves movies, understands children and is fond of recalling his own childhood. Riddle of Fire is his love letter to all of that, with absolutely GREAT use of music from Cannibal Holocaust in the epilogue, thanks to which I was brought to tears. [Sitges Film Festival] (14.10.2023)