Three Brothers [Blu-ray]

Beautifully filmed and deeply affecting, Franceso Rosi’s 1981 study of an Italian family resonates at many levels – a thinly disguised exploration of the political and social divisions which existed at the time or a surprisingly unsentimental meditation on the transience of life, this is a film which definitely challenges you to pause and reflect on your own circumstances. After the death of their elderly mother three brothers return from three different cities in northern Italy to the farmhouse and rural village in the south where they grew up and left to make their way in the world. The brothers lead separate and very different lives but each appears consumed in concerns relating to both their personal predicaments and their ideals which come to the fore when they meet. In returning to their childhood home they forlornly realise how disconnected they have become from each other, their father, their village and their past, however the film also focusses on their father and his young granddaughter and it is their scenes (whether individually or together) which are probably the most moving and powerful. The leisurely pace of the narrative is truly beguiling and the director’s use of flash-backs and flash-forwards projecting reminiscences, fears and hopes is both marvellous and unexpected. This is undoubtedly a haunting and timeless work of cinematic art and a film in which I thoroughly recommend that you make an effort to watch.

Enthralling film centred on the diverse lives of three brothers who are brought together to attend their mothers funeral and reconnect with their father and the community they were brought up before spreading their wings. For me the most poignant scenes were between the father and his granddaughter as they helped each other deal with the events taking place and looking after each other. For the brothers it became an opportunity to reconnect after many years and how well this was achieved is the outstanding quandary of the film!

A well-crafted film. I enjoyed it.

Excellent film, really enjoyed it

Excellent. Spare but very elegant. Great performances all round. The hard edges of the brothers' lives are contrasted with the gentle relationship between grandfather and granddaughter. Deeply moving film.

Philippe Noiret is one of my favourite actors of all time, from “Zazie dans le Métro” on. This is a moving account of 3 brothers returning home for their mother’s funeral, back to the southern countryside, impoverished and unsophisticated, that they left long ago to pursue brighterfutures in the north. The brothers are not close in age or in outlook, and have come to represent different socio-economic classes. Noiret plays the eldest, a judge, who has a happy marriage, but is threatened with death on account of taking on a case involving some very unpleasant accused, Rocco works in an institution for those once described as juvenile delinquents, and the youngest is a troublesome factory worker on the edge of dismissal. They all realise the deep seated flaws in Italian society, but can’t agree on how to change it.In contrast is their aged father and his growing affection for his wee granddaughter Marta, one with happy memories of his marriage, and the other with innocent pleasure in the present.A great film.

I find it compelling seeing how different the three brothers lives are. All passionate in their own way looking to change and support society, distant and not supportive or understanding of each other.

Wonderful movie. Arrived on time as promised correctly Packaged.