Rocco and His Brothers

Rocco and His Brothers (Rocco e i suoi fratelli) is a powerful and emotionally charged Italian film directed by Luchino Visconti and was released in 1960. This poignant drama is renowned for its penetrating examination of the struggles faced by a poor Southern Italian family who migrates to the industrial North in search of a better life. The narrative eloquently dissects the themes of family loyalty, social mobility, and the transformative impacts of urbanization on traditional values.

Set against the backdrop of post-war Italy's economic rebirth, the movie unfolds in Milan, a city that comes to embody the hopes and disillusionments of the protagonists. The family at the center of the story consists of Rosaria Parondi, a widow played masterfully by Katina Paxinou, and her five sons: Vincenzo, Simone, Rocco, Ciro, and the youngest, Luca. Each brother has a distinct personality and set of aspirations, which get them entangled in a fabric of complex relationships, ambitions, and conflicts.

Alain Delon portrays the title character, Rocco, with a kind of angelic presence and deep-rooted decency which make his character the moral compass of the story. Rocco's unwavering sense of sacrifice and his commitment to the well-being of his family underline many of the film's key moments. He is the epitome of the young man torn between obligation and his own dreams, embodying the tension between old-world values and the modernizing society in which he finds himself.

His brother Simone, portrayed by Renato Salvatori, is a stark contrast to Rocco's tranquility and composure. Simone’s volatile nature, lack of direction, and susceptibility to the darker facets of city life set the stage for much of the film's dramatic tension. He embodies the disenchanted youth, unable to cope with the pressures of rapid social change and the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

In Milan, Vincenzo, played by Spiros Focás, is the first brother to settle down, acting as an anchor point for the family as the rest join him in the city. However, the collective struggle of the family starts when their rural norms clash with the opportunities and corruptions of urban existence.

The love interest of both Rocco and Simone is the tragic figure Nadia, played by Annie Girardot, who delivers a heartbreaking performance. Nadia is an impoverished woman whose life has been marked by suffering, and her entanglement with the brothers exacerbates existing rivalries and creates new ones. Her complex connections with Rocco and Simone reflect broader issues of social class and the harsh realities of city life for women at the time.

Ciro, the third brother, is the dedicated one, who chooses a factory job over the lure of quick money. The grounding presence of Ciro, portrayed by Max Cartier, reveals the restoring power of work and dignity, as he pursues legal employment and stable living as a means to lift the family's condition.

The baby of the family, Luca (played by Rocco Vidolazzi), is an observer of the unfolding drama. His journey becomes a framing device for the narrative, as he embodies the future of the family and the innocence that stands to be corrupted by the harsh world around him.

Visconti's direction is adept at interweaving the personal tales of these brothers with the wider socio-economic context of Italy at the time. The film brims with neorealist elements through its gritty depiction of working-class life, yet is simultaneously operatic with its intense emotional sequences and sweeping score, the work of Italian composer Nino Rota. As such, it reflects the duality of Italian cinema of the era, rooted in the reality of contemporary life yet executed with a grandiose, almost theatrical, flourish.

Cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno captures the stark contrast between the pastoral beauty of Southern Italy and the grim urban environment of the North with a palette that reflects the emotional states of the characters. Long takes, stark lighting, and close-ups are used to great effect, pulling the audience into the characters' inner worlds and the intimacy of their conflicts.

The film is divided into five segments, each focusing on a different brother, which allows Visconti to explore the different pathways and destinies that were available to men of that era and class. This structure also creates a layered portrait of the family unit, as it faces disintegration under the pressures of new beginnings.

Running over three hours in length, Rocco and His Brothers is an epic tale of familial bonds challenged by societal change. It has been hailed as a masterpiece of Italian cinema due to its raw portrayal of life's hardships and the complex human emotions that permeate the proverbial and literal journey from rags to riches. The movie’s influence extends beyond its immediate cultural context, resonating with audiences worldwide. It is a testament to the enduring power of family, and the shared human experience of searching for a place in the world.