The film begins when Eugenio, a 14 year old child, is conduced from his grandparents home outside Rome, to Giancarlo (his father) in the city, by Giancarlo's friend (called "Moustache"). As Eugenio is bothering Moustache, he threatens Eugenio with leaving him in the middle of the country. He finally does it. When Giancarlo finds out, they return for Eugenio, but he is now lost. Meanwhile we're told the story of the child and his relation with the family, and why he feels unwanted.
Acting
Francesco Bonelli's heartbreaking naturalism as Eugenio
Direction
Comencini balances comedy and tragedy without mercy
Cinematography
Lazio countryside as character and metaphor
Director
Luigi Comencini
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of Comencini's 'children trilogy' examining postwar Italian family breakdown through juvenile perspectives.
Francesco Bonelli was a non-professional discovered in a Rome school; Comencini specifically wanted untrained authenticity.
IT
