Lamerica (1994)

Two Italian racketeers come to Albania just after the fall of the communists to set up a fictive firm and pocket the grants. They need a stooge. They choose an old one in a jail : Spiro. ... See full summary »

Director:

Gianni Amelio

Writers:

Gianni Amelio, Andrea Porporati,

Stars:

Enrico Lo Verso, Michele Placido, Piro Milkani

20 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Enrico Lo Verso	...	Gino
Michele Placido	...	Fiore
Piro Milkani	...	Selimi
Carmelo Di Mazzarelli	...	Spiro (alias Michele Talarico)
Elida Janushi	...	Selimi's Cousin
Sefer Pema	...	Prison Governor
Idajet Sejdia	...	Dr. Kruja
Marieta Ljarja	...	Factory's manager
Elina Ndreu	...	Singer in night club
Ilir Ara	...	Orphanage's guard
Liliana Subashi	...	Hospital's doctor
Artan Marina	...	Ismail
Vassjan Lammi	...	Cop at cafe
Nikolin Elezi	...	Man dying
Fatmir Gjyla	...	Innkeeper

Storyline

Two Italian racketeers come to Albania just after the fall of the communists to set up a fictive firm and pocket the grants. They need a stooge. They choose an old one in a jail : Spiro. But the youngest italian, Gino, once alone with Spiro, encounter a few problems. Far from his roots, loosing his identity in deep Albania, he begins to change...

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Plot Keywords:

albania | fraud | emigration | one word title | poverty | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Italy France Switzerland

Language:

Albanian Italian

Release Date:

4 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Amèrica

Filming Locations:

Durres, Albania

Box Office

Gross:

$438,483 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alia Film, Cecchi Gori Group Tiger Cinematografica, Arena Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Selimi: Sorry, no water today. Today holiday. Maybe tomorrow.

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Connections

References Paisan (1946)

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Soundtracks

"L'Italiano"
by Minellono and Cotugno

User Reviews

Return of neo-realism?

I thought this was an incredible film with a story that was in many ways simple, yet complex in dealing with redemption. An Italian swindler goes to Albania to make a few quick lire, only to get swallowed up by the depth of the Albanian situation.