TheHollywoodReporter writes: "Although the film could be more emotionally engaging, Luchetti weaves moments of lightness into the straightforward drama that in more didactic hands could have become heavy-handed. Sometimes too much lightness: The young boys' mourning never really is addressed. The upbeat ending will please audiences, though doubtfully critics, but it hides a deeper message: Claudio might have made it through one series of crises, but he'll have to continue to "arrangiarsi" to keep moving forward".