Review of Padre Padrone (1977) by David S — 22 Jun 2009
This is a confronting film, and not just for the scenes involving bestiality, but because of the tyrant-like father and his treatment of his entire family. When the father removes his son from classes to tend to his family's flock he gives the children in class a stern reminder, today it is Gavino but tomorrow it is you, highlighting the lack of opportunities these children had growing up.
The flight of many of these now young men to Germany offers a ray of hope to their dreary world, but the disappointment and despair that sets in as Gavino must return to his family and the countryside is truly palpable.
This wasn't the easiest film to watch but it all combines to create a powerful experience from the in your face and flamboyant antics of the father to Gavino's simplistic and almost haunting whistling as a means of standing up once and for all to his father.
Not for the feint hearted but well worthwhile if you can stick with it.
This review of Padre Padrone (1977) was written by David S on 22 Jun 2009.
Padre Padrone has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
