Is Il terzo tempo Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2013, Il terzo tempo represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Samuel has spent the last few years in and out a juvenile detention center for the crimes theft, assault and drug dealing. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Samuel has spent the last few years in and out a juvenile detention center for the crimes theft, assault and drug dealing. Without a real family, he is placed in a rehabilitation program and under the supervision Vincenzo, a social worker undergoing a profound existential crisis: having lost wife in a car crash, Vincenzo is convinced work is pointless and he is frustrated by the performance the down and out rugby team that he coaches after work. When Vincenzo catches the boy in a scuffle, he becomes convinced that Samuel, despite never having played rugby, is the only hope for salvaging the team."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Lorenzo Richelmy, the performance in Il terzo tempo feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Enrico Maria Artale is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 94 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Il terzo tempo truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3.9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Il terzo tempo explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Enrico Maria Artale respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Il terzo tempo is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Lorenzo Richelmy or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Il terzo tempo is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.