Rocco and His Brothers (1960)

In the rich tapestry of post-war Italy, we weave through the intricate story of the Parondi clan—a family of rugged southern peasants, bound by the iron-clad tradition of family-first, a mantra instilled by their matriarch, Rosaria. Struggling against the harsh reality of an infertile farm, the just-widowed Rosaria brings her four younger sons to Milan, where the eldest, Vincenzo, resides. Their arrival, though intended to sow seeds of prosperity, instead brings disruption and unexpected hardships. As the narrative unfurls, it delves into the lives of the five brothers, each chapter shedding light on a different sibling. It begins with Vincenzo, who grapples with the sudden responsibility of securing a livelihood for his family in a city that offers no immediate respite. Simone, the next in line, is swept up by the allure of city life. His natural prowess in boxing offers a glimmer of hope, but his self-doubt and a tumultuous relationship with a prostitute named Nadia, who enters their lives like a whirlwind, cast a shadow over his potential. Rocco, the quintessential loyal and sensitive brother, crosses paths with Nadia during his military service, sparking a passionate love affair that breathes life into Nadia's otherwise grim existence. But as the flames of their love begin to crackle, the specter of Simone's reaction looms ominously over their relationship. In the chapter of Ciro, the practical brother, we see him gain an education and find work at the Alfa Romeo factory. Amidst the disintegration of their family unit, Ciro seeks to weave their threads back together, even as Rocco, carrying the burden of his emotions, becomes the main provider for their family. The story concludes with the youngest, Luca, wrestling with the question of whether their lives would have been any different had they remained on their barren farm. As the family navigates the tumultuous waves of their life since arriving in Milan, a bitter feud between the two brothers, Simone and Rocco, threatens to unravel the family's fabric, spiraling towards an unthinkable end. This vivid chronicle of the Parondi family is a poignant exploration of survival, love, and the power of familial bonds, even when tested by the most challenging circumstances.

Rocco and His Brothers is a crime movie featuring Alain Delon.

Rocco and His Brothers is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Cohen Media Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, Metrograph and OVID.

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