Gabriele (Fabrizio Bentivoglio) is a successful man, but, from the first scene of the movie, it's clear he is not happy. His house is bleak, his relationships with people detached - he is a sad and bitter individual.
His story unravels in flashbacks. After the death of his mother (Valeria Golino), young Gabriele and his brother follow their rich bigamous father (Giancarlo Giannini) and go live with his official family. The other sons treat Gabriele and his brother as intruders, and their relationship gets increasingly ugly.
Only then we understand what adult Gabriele is planning.
Bentivoglio gives a powerful performance as a cold man bearing a grudge after many years. Giannini is solid as usual and Golino leaves an impression despite her brief screen time. All young actors also find the right notes.
The movie slowly builds up to the final confrontation, showing how petty and shallow revenge can be. The last message is one of hope: the open ending is moving, all the more because sober and understated.
7/10
His story unravels in flashbacks. After the death of his mother (Valeria Golino), young Gabriele and his brother follow their rich bigamous father (Giancarlo Giannini) and go live with his official family. The other sons treat Gabriele and his brother as intruders, and their relationship gets increasingly ugly.
Only then we understand what adult Gabriele is planning.
Bentivoglio gives a powerful performance as a cold man bearing a grudge after many years. Giannini is solid as usual and Golino leaves an impression despite her brief screen time. All young actors also find the right notes.
The movie slowly builds up to the final confrontation, showing how petty and shallow revenge can be. The last message is one of hope: the open ending is moving, all the more because sober and understated.
7/10