Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, Francesco Rosi's lyrical 1982 drama, more humanist than the political films for which he is best known, revolves around three brothers who reunite at their boyhood country home for the funeral of their mother. Raffaele (Phillipe Noiret) is a judge who has agreed to hear a case involving terrorists, despite his wife's concern for his safety. Rocco (Vittorio Mezzogiorno), a teacher at a home for troubled youth, has been asked by police to turn over students who have been committing thefts. Nicola, a militant factory worker, is separated from his wife and has his adorable eight-year-old daughter in tow. While there is sometimes heated debate over the roots of terrorism and workers' rights, at the core of the film are the characters' heart-rending memories and dreams on the eve of the funeral. Particularly affecting is French actor Charles Vanel's portrayal of Donato, the family patriarch, who bonds affectionately with Nicola's daughter. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[Blu-ray/DVD Review—May 2, 2017—Arrow, 107 min., in Italian w/English subtitles, not rated, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1981's Three Brothers features a great transfer and a mono soundtrack. Extras include an audio interview with director Francesco Rosi (72 min.). Bottom line: this fine Italian drama makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]
Three Brothers
Facets, 113 min., not rated, in Italian w/English subtitles, VHS: $79.95 Volume 16, Issue 6
Three Brothers
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