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| Movie Review: My Brother is an Only Child (Mio fratello è figlio unico) Alternate Title: I am My Brother's Keeper
Story: If you were going to
come of age - there was no better time than the turbulent '60s. Italian
director Daniele Luchetti recreates the economic, social
and political struggles of post-Fascist Italy using the age old sibling
rivalry friction to define it all. The film was written by Sandro
Petraglia, Stefano Rulli and Mr. Luchetti
and is based on the novel “Il Fasciocomunista”
by Antonio Pennacchi. The young brothers represent extremes of post
war Italy from the Communists to the Neo-Fascists. Their contentious
relationship is magnified by their polar opposite views of the world.
The film is filled with heartwarming vignettes of life and love for
the struggling underclass. There are also moments of laughter, pathos
and satire. I cared about all of the characters and empathized
with their struggles. Lungamente vive la rivoluzione! Acting: Elio Germano as Accio, the
narrator was exceptional. Riccardo Scamarcio as the
older, more handsome Manrico was also terrific and very very nice to
look at. Diane Fleri as the love interest, Francesca
was great. Angela Finocchiaro as the Mother was wonderful
as was Massimo Popolizio as the Father. A special kudos
to the boy who played the youthful Accio, Vittorio Emanuele
Propizio.
Predilection: None
Critters: Livestock
Food: Everyone in Italy eats fine food. Yummy.
Sex Spectrum: Sex during a revolution seems hotter.
Opening Titles: Titles at the end.
Visual Art: A fine recreation of posters and signs
of the times.
Theater Audience: About 20 other former Revolutionary
placard carrying theater goers. I saw this film at the Quad Cinema on
April 5, 2008.
Weather: The weather in Italy was very nice. The setting
is bout 40 miles outside of Rome.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: Fascists are brutal.
Drift Factor: I was attentive throughout.
Predictability Level: Moderate
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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