About the Movie (Summary) Tommaso Santambrogio’s Oceans Are the Real Continents tells a story of resilience, dreams, and interconnected lives. Centered on Milagros, who makes a modest living selling peanut cones while cherishing memories of her past, the film also follows Frank and Alain, two nine-year-old friends with hopes of leaving their Cuban hometown to pursue a future as baseball stars in the United States. This evocative drama captures the aspirations, struggles, and determination of characters navigating personal and cultural crossroads.
Plot Summary The narrative intertwines the lives of Milagros, Frank, and Alain, offering a window into the human spirit’s ability to persevere. Milagros, sustained by old letters and her radio, represents a steadfast connection to the past, while Frank and Alain’s boyhood dreams of emigration and sports glory symbolize a longing for new horizons. Together, their stories reveal how hope, memory, and ambition shape individual paths, even amid hardship.
Director’s Vision Tommaso Santambrogio set out to craft a film that juxtaposes the simplicity of everyday life with the grandeur of human dreams. By focusing on characters deeply tied to their cultural roots, he creates a poignant exploration of how people draw strength from their heritage while aspiring to transcend it. Santambrogio’s vision is one of authenticity and emotion, using nuanced performances and atmospheric cinematography to tell a universally relatable story.
Themes
Hope and Ambition: The characters’ dreams, whether of emigration or personal fulfillment, underscore the human drive to seek a better future.
Cultural Identity and Heritage: The film highlights the role of tradition and memory in shaping individual identity and community ties.
Intergenerational Struggles: Through Milagros’ reflection on the past and the boys’ forward-looking aspirations, the story explores how different generations confront change and adversity.
Resilience in Adversity: Despite economic hardship and personal loss, the characters find ways to endure and pursue their dreams.
The Universal Language of Dreams: By focusing on baseball and childhood aspirations, the film conveys a theme of universal hope that transcends cultural boundaries.
Key Success Factors
Compelling Performances: Strong, nuanced acting brings authenticity to the characters and their journeys.
Visual and Emotional Storytelling: Lorenzo Casadio’s cinematography and Matteo Faccenda’s editing create a visually striking and emotionally resonant film.
Rich Cultural Context: The film’s Cuban setting and detailed character backgrounds provide a deep sense of place and cultural authenticity.
Awards Recognition: Multiple wins and nominations at prestigious international film festivals have solidified the film’s critical acclaim.
Timeless Themes: The universal nature of its story ensures it resonates with a global audience.
Summary Short A poignant drama that intertwines past and present, Oceans Are the Real Continents explores hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
Awards and Nominations The film has earned four wins and ten nominations on the festival circuit. Key accolades include:
Wins:
New Zealand International Film Festival: Audience Award.
Athens Panorama of European Cinema: Union of Film Critics of Greece Award for Best Film.
Gibara International Film Festival: Jury Award (Press Award).
Nominations:
Venice Film Festival: Giornate degli Autori Award.
Havana Film Festival: Opera Prima for Best First Film.
Festival del Cinema Europeo: Mario Verdone Award for Best Italian Debut Film.
Miami Film Festival: Jordan Ressler First Feature Award.
Critical Reception Critics have highlighted the film’s unique narrative structure, heartfelt performances, and visually engaging cinematography. Reviews describe it as a poignant and deeply human tale that balances cultural specificity with universal themes.
Reviews About the Movie Online
Cinema Times: Described it as “a beautifully shot, emotionally rich exploration of hope and heritage.”
World Cinema View: Praised its “stunning visuals and compelling character studies.”
Global Film Journal: Called it “an exceptional directorial debut that marks Tommaso Santambrogio as a filmmaker to watch.”
Box Office With a budget of €954,000, the film earned $24,435 worldwide as of March 2025. While the opening weekend figures were modest, its performance was bolstered by strong critical reception and festival attention.
Production (Summary) Produced by Rosamont and supported by Rai Cinema, Oceans Are the Real Continents benefits from an experienced production team that has brought an authentic, visually stunning drama to the screen.
Production Companies
Rosamont
Rai Cinema
Cacha Films (co-production)
Ministero della Cultura (MiC) (support)
Sales Companies
Fandango Sales
Distribution Companies
Film Movement
Fandango
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28635355/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/los-oceanos-son-los-verdaderos-continentes (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/los-oceanos-son-los-verdaderos-continentes (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/los-oceanos-son-los-verdaderos-continentes (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/gli-oceani-sono-i-veri-continenti (Italy)
Why to Recommend This Movie
A beautifully crafted film with deep cultural roots.
Engaging performances and a powerful narrative.
Universal themes of hope and perseverance.
Strong critical reception and multiple awards.
Why You Should Watch Movie (Bullets)
Experience an emotionally compelling story of resilience and dreams.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural landscape of Cuba.
Appreciate breathtaking cinematography and heartfelt performances.
Discover an inspiring tale of enduring hope and ambition.
What Movie Trend Film is Following The Trend: Multicultural Narratives in Contemporary Drama Summary: The film reflects the growing trend of stories that focus on cultural identity, intergenerational connections, and universal themes of hope and perseverance.
What Big Social Trend is Following The Trend: Resilience Amid Adversity Summary: The movie aligns with the cultural focus on resilience and community strength in the face of economic and social challenges.
Final Verdict Oceans Are the Real Continents (2023) is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores the complex interplay of past and present, cultural heritage, and human ambition. Tommaso Santambrogio’s masterful direction and compelling storytelling make this a must-watch for audiences seeking a meaningful cinematic experience.
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