Leaves of the Tree is a must-see movie. The enticing story touches on themes of spirituality, love, and redemption. The movie is largely character-driven, with each brought to life by the members of the superstar cast who live up to their reputations. The pacing of the movie is perfect, making the audience feel the transformation of the characters--and the world around them--as the story progresses.

The cinematography is reason alone to see this film. Beautiful shots of Sicily bring the setting of the film to life in a way that few independent films can. From rolling hills to beautiful ocean, it seems like a perfect setting for a movie with a deeply spiritual theme.

I highly recommend this film.

No spoilers here I had a chance to see this at the Santa Fe Film Festival, which by the way has generally selected great movies. This however was one the worst films I have seen at a festival, let alone in a theater. The acting was at best mediocre, perhaps better directing, editing and a decent script could have helped what looked to be a pretty decent cast. The fillers involved trite romances which made the movie drag on and formulaic. The basic premise of the movie had potential, but this dramatization spoiled it. Perhaps others will forgive the listed complaints because the spiritual message spoke to them. And I suspect that was the hope of the producers

This film moved me. Everything, from the setting to the casting to the story, fits together in a way that I would expect from a Hollywood blockbuster. I felt the characters transform as I saw them on the screen. And how could they not? Sicily proves a hidden gem that brings the characters--and this film--to life in a vibrant, spiritual way.

The story moves with excellent pace and plenty of intrigue. I found myself glued to the screen, curious about what would happen next. Veterans like Eric Roberts, Armand Assante, and Sean Young all give brilliant performances, and the lesser-known members of the cast deliver with equal force. The movie promises to be a spiritual tale about transformation, and it fulfills that promise in ways I never expected.