Story
Directed by Ermanno Olmi, this 1978 film is a remarkable example of Italian cinema, capturing the life of peasant families in the late 19th century Lombardy region. Ermanno Olmi, known for his meticulous and humanistic approach to storytelling, wrote and directed this film with a distinct emphasis on realism. Before this film, Olmi gained recognition for his works like "Il Posto" (1961) and "The Legend of the Holy Drinker" (1988). His ability to depict everyday life with authenticity and compassion is most evident in this work, which is often lauded as one of his masterpieces.The cast largely comprises non-professional actors, which was a deliberate choice by Olmi to preserve the authenticity of the period and the characters. These performers were actual farmers and locals, lending a palpable realism to the film’s depiction of peasant life. This casting approach allowed the characters to appear organically interwoven with their environment, enhancing the film’s documentary feel. Olmi’s decision to shoot on location in genuine farm settings adds another layer of authenticity, capturing the rustic beauty and hardships of rural life.The film was a significant critical success, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival. Its narrative is subtly profound, revolving around the cyclical nature of rural existence, punctuated by the story of a farmer who carves a wooden clog for his son so that he can walk to school. The plot intricately weaves through the lives of several families, highlighting the communal yet isolated nature of their existence. The film’s deliberate pacing and Olmi’s keen observation make it a deeply moving portrait of simple lives marked by resilience, faith, and tradition.