THREE BROTHERS Movie Review

Tre Fratelli

Three adult brothers—one a judge (Philippe Noiret), one a teacher (Vittorio Mezzogiorno), and one a mechanic (Michele Placido)—whose lives, concerns, and politics have become very different, are summoned to their small Italian village on the occasion of their mother's death. Over the course of the next few days these men will not only mourn their shared pain over the loss of their mother, but they will also grieve over the social, political, and economic differences that have separated them, and that may now be a bridge to bring them back together. Francesco Rosi's Three Brothers is a cumulatively powerful, eloquent portrait of the kinds of differences and jealousies that can fracture families everywhere, but beyond that it's a fascinating look at the very specific differences that exist between regions in Italy, and how those differences can bring about the fateful, gradual decisions that send once-close siblings into so many conflicting directions. Three Brothers isn't designed to race by; so, just relax, listen, and look—the experience is profound, and it will stay with you. Rosi's screenplay was adapted from Platonov's story The Third Son.

NEXT STOP … Christ Stopped at Eboli, The Moment of Truth, Lamerica

1980 (PG) 113m/C IT Philippe Nolret, Charles Vanel, Michele Placido, Vittorio Mezzogiorno, Andrea Ferreol; D: Francesco Rosi; W: Francesco Rosi; C: Pasquale De Santis; M: Piero Piccioni. Nominations: Academy Awards ‘81: Best Foreign-Language Film. VHS