Writer-director Crialese captures the setting perfectly, down to tiny details that are wonderful to soak in. As in Y Tu Mama Tambien, the older teen boys are a sea of bare sun-tanned skin, bursting with energy and not sure how to express themselves. Meanwhile, the fishermen have their own routines, throwing fish to the younger boys that they can swap for goodies from a vendor lady. The men are all macho thugs, while the women engage in relentless meddling and gossip. But beyond a stereotype, this is a delicate balance that keeps the village going. The entire film is full of terrific touches--funny and warm images that work perfectly and combine to paint a fully rounded picture of this community, right to the visually stunning, slightly surreal conclusion. As a whole, the film is perhaps a bit too gentle and meandering, but it's jammed full of superb moments.