Fontamara

A story following not only the fate of the poor village of Fontamara inhabited by rebellious mountaineers but also the life fate of Berardo Violi (Michele Placido), a landless man and the grandson of a famous bandit. Italy is already in the hands of the Blackshirts, who not only engulf the countryside and cities with their primitive machinery of violence and threats but also, together with the economic elites, take control of the economic life and catalyze the class division of the country. In addition to the slowly emerging resistance of Fontamara against the fascists, we can also see the disintegration of the previous traditional consciousness and closed self-identification of the Italian villagers on the example of Berardo's bravery and sacrifice (we, the villagers from the mountains against those foreigners down in the city, we from Fontamara have our own patron, etc.). It is replaced by a fight against the common fascist enemy, which not only finally unites the villagers with the city dwellers, but also carries the promise of continuing the struggle at a higher level. Naturally, this can only be an economic, class struggle (the film was made in the 70s in Italy by a left-wing artist) - not accidentally, as it might seem at first glance, the villagers name their rebellious letter "Che fare?" It is worth noting how Lizzani lets the key events (including the final climax of the almost two-hour film!) unfold off-camera, so we learn about them indirectly through supporting characters (which does not diminish the strength of the scenes). P.S. The film was based on the eponymous novel by Ignazio Tranquilli, a victim of fascism. (17/12/2013)