This is one of the most fascinating films I have seen in a long time. It manages to tell a rather complex story by showing us only six days in real time. By doing so, it creates an unusual dramatic intensity since much of our attention is devoted to observing changes in the characters since the previous segment's day. The story itself is also unusual because it focuses on an almost obsessive familial love between two brothers, which at first seems supportive, loving and nurturing, but eventually morphs into an utterly corrupt and destructive relationship. This tale, upon reflection, reveals itself to be a meditation, a fable, an allegory for much more than the love of two brothers for each other: it is a richly textured, and multi-layered examination of poverty, class, culture, and morality, set in the historical context of post-war Italy of the late 50's and early 60's. The depiction of the desperate plight of the underclass of that era brought back memories of the neo-realist films of that era. But unlike those films, this one uses an almost painterly style, using vivid images and expressive compositions. The sound design as well conveys the chaos of urban life in Turin.
The success of one brother at the expense of the other, somehow resonated with me in a way I still can't put my finger on. This is a film that will stay with you, and leave you pondering its ambiguities for a long time after you see it.
The success of one brother at the expense of the other, somehow resonated with me in a way I still can't put my finger on. This is a film that will stay with you, and leave you pondering its ambiguities for a long time after you see it.