It is not easy to watch, sometimes the pace is not the best, but is is deffinetely a very strong film, that impacts and does not follow conventional formulae. Indeed, Taviani brothers explore camera movements and innovative sounds to reach a greater level of emotional impact in spectator. The life story presented is less simply the story of an individual and more a figurative portrayal of a generation, of a specific type of community. The harsh life in Sardinian countryside is presented in beautiful cinematography, making clear that, there, living means working hard and nothing more. The contast of the traditional and patriarchal rural lifestyle with the improved educational opportunities for young Italians is traduced by the father's abuses and the hatred all the boys felt for their village, aiming a new life whichever it werr. The chat under the saint image is a brilliant metaphor. The relation with animals is, as expected, quite brutal and often cruel, and it is shown in a realistic and not softened way. Sexuality is an enigma: the masturbation with animals is there, but despite their age of sexual self dicoveries and lively hormones, no interest in girls (or boys) apprear. As it is an autobiographical work (despite being appliable to most young men from his social-demographic group and background), perhaps, while wanting to show the abusive relationship his father maintained with him, writer preferred to hidden sexuality, which may be uncomfortable for him (hypothesis which is strengthened by the physical contact he used to have with male friends). Catholic religion crosses through the whole movie as in any film which deals seriously with Italian culture. To resume, Padre Padrone may not be your favorite movie, but it will be a cinematic experience worth having.
Review of Padre Padrone
