The Stolen Children

Luciano, a nine year old boy, and his eleven year old sister, Rosetta, live alone with their mother. To supplement her meager income, the woman sells Rosetta into prostitution. When the police learn of this, they take the mother off to jail, leaving Luciano and Rosetta without a home or a family. Antonio, a young carabiniere officer, is charged with escorting the two to an orphanage. However, upon arrival, he discovers that they will not be admitted because of Rosetta's dubious past. A spare, moving film: a southbound journey between hope and despair.