Mio fratello è figlio unico, My Brother is an Only Child, is a film directed by Daniele Luchetti, and winner of four David di Donatello Awards.
'Set in a small Italian town in the 60's and 70's, Mio fratello è figlio unico tells the story of two brothers who want to change the world - in entirely different ways. Older brother Manrico (Riccardo Scarmaccio) is a handsome, charismatic firebrand, and his cheeky brother Accio (Elio Germano) who is in constant conflict with him grow in opposite directions. Politically, and socially, they argue, the fight, and travel in separate directions. But the ties of their family will always bring them back together again. Sparks fly, but wisdom also develops as life throws out serious challenges. The story is lavishly accompanied by great songs of the time, and a score by Franco Piersanti. Director Daniele Luchetti offers sweeping historic views, as well as passionate and intimate portraits of people, and a society in flux.'
I had read mixed reviews about this film, it was mainly the Italians who felt the themes and subjects approached were overdone, and I can understand that the political upheaval of the 60's and 70's had and continues to have a major role in film, and that they would feel tired of seeing and hearing the same things over and over again. But, coming from a country so far away, and not knowing too much about the society then, this film has helped me contextualize this period (however much artistic license has been used). The little details of set design and the soundtrack were fittingly retro; and the cars are my envy.
