Review of Rocco and His Brothers (1960) by Augustine H — 14 Nov 2015

Luchino Visconti is such an admirable figure who can depict the life of the oppressed vividly and timelessly, despite being an aristocratic heir. The story of Rocco, which constitutes elements of exploitation, migration, nostalgia, poverty, boxing, family, love, sexuality, betrayal and alcoholism, as well as Nino Rota's score, is indeed an aspiration for Coppola's The Godfather.

But the film can never achieve the success without Annie Giradot, who exhibits a complicated personality and gives a great performance as a tragic character beyond her own control; whilst Renato Salvadori's devilish yet pathetic role develops a sensation for audience.

Those who are fascinated by the realism delivered in David O. Russell's The Fighter should have felt idiotic if they have ever come across this stunning classic.