"My Brother Chases Dinosaurs" is a heartfelt coming-of-age film directed by Stefano Cipani, based on the autobiographical novel by Giacomo Mazzariol.

This film is a touching and insightful exploration of the challenges of growing up with a sibling who has special needs.

Francesco Gheghi delivers a still uncertain but touching performance as Jack, with the complexities of a boy who deeply loves his brother but grapples with societal perceptions and personal insecurities.

Lorenzo Sisto's performance as Gio is nothing short of remarkable. He brings an infectious joy and innocence to the character, making Gio a lovable and central figure in the film.

Isabella Ragonese and Alessandro Gassman as Jack and Gio's (and their sisters) parents, provide strong performances that give depth to the family dynamics.

Cipani's direction handles the subject matter with care and respect. He avoids melodrama, opting instead for a realistic dramedy portraying the family's daily life and the unique challenges they face.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to highlight the beauty of familial love and the importance of acceptance and understanding. It shows how Gio's presence enriches the family's life, despite the challenges his condition might bring.

Some viewers might find certain plot points predictable, and the pacing occasionally uneven, but the film's heartfelt message and strong performances make it a standout.

Good points for not putting 0: *The technical part is good

Negative points (from my perspective as a disabled person):

DISINFORMATION *They never specify that the pathologizing reaction of health professionals, and the dramatic reaction of the family, is harmful; they could take the opportunity to explain this happens to many families due to the outdated information about the diverse types of neurodevelopment that exist, the one shown here is only that, one more to the list, neither better nor worse.

*The bad perspective from this neurotype continues: "is a disease", "it has levels", "intellectual disability in all cases" *Refers to people with Down syndrome as "special", "in their world", "they unite the family" (that family was already united, he is not glue, he's a human and as in any relationship, they can get separated like any other family), "adorable", "infant even though many years have passed"... *There is a scene of cultural appropriation; the clothing of indigenous peoples isn't a carnival costume.

. The same old DISABLISM.

Jack has always wanted a little brother to play with, and when Gio is born, his parents say his brother is a "special" child. That's when Gio transforms into a superhero with incredible powers in his older brother's imagination, like those in his comic books. Over time, however, Jack discovers the truth: his brother has Down syndrome, a condition that Jack decides to keep a secret. When he goes to high school and falls in love with Arianna, he hides Gio's very existence from her and his new friends. But how can you expect anyone to love you if you hide such an important part of yourself? In no time, the truth comes out and Jack realizes that Gio's energy and vitality are contagious. Gio's original vision truly changes the world, just like a superhero.

Such a beautiful film, moves us in many ways, what a beautiful family, and whoever dealt with it during the film's production, claims to be genuine, and real this empathy, union and fraternal dialogue between the members, what pride... Interesting to know that the Italian government gives a subsidy of 400 Euros to help with costs, applause... A beautiful biography... "It's one of those movies that, after watching, you leave the theater a better person" said Rossy De Palma.