Sparky Paolo (Rossi) has an irresistibly optimistic view of the world despite having been born with severe physical and psychological handicaps.

Absorbed in his Gameboy console or wandering off on his crutches, he never shows one iota of self-pity or rage at his predicament.

However, one more trauma he must face is the reappearance into his life of the father who deserted him just after he was born.

Compared with Paulo's chilled out view of the world, his father brings with him a mass of guilt-fuelled neuroses and fears.

"You're not worthy of him," is the terse opinion offered by Paulo's guardian when a meeting is arranged at a railway station.

Father Gianni (Stuart) has met the boy for the first time to accompany him from Italy to Germany for rehabilitation at a special Berlin clinic.

Masking his initial shame behind a display of overcompensating care, Gianni is gently shown, by the unjudgemental son, how to do it right.

In Berlin, Gianni also meets the serene Nicole (Rampling), whose life is totally consumed by her devotion to her handicapped daughter.

It is she who helps him come to terms with the guilt wracking him for the abandonment of his helpless baby son.

And it's this newfound strength that propels Gianni into rejecting the gruelling hospital exercise for the things Paulo craves - love and respect.

What lifts this powerful story from being another downbeat tale of disability is the performance of fragile strength delivered by Rossi as the youngster.

He's by no means an easy child - Gianni has to endure tantrums and Paulo going walkabout while getting to know him.

However, you can't help rooting for the odd couple when Gianni realises both his son's limitations and considerable strengths.

Tim Evans