Father and Master

1977

1h 54m

Drama

List

73%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

77%

Audience Score

500+ Ratings

Drawn from the real experience of writer Gavino Ledda, the film finds impoverished Sardinian boy Gavino (Fabrizio Forte) forced to quit school by his overbearing and abusive father (Omero Antonutti). Committed to the traditions of his homeland, Gavino's father feels his son is of more use to the family as a shepherd than a student. As he matures, the adult Gavino (Saverio Marconi) finds his way in the world, first by discovering music and then by learning a trade while serving in the military.

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Pauline Kael

New Yorker

The Taviani brothers have learned to fuse political commitment and artistic commitment into stylized passion. Their film Padre Padrone has the beauty of anger that is channelled and disciplined without losing intensity.

Sep 13, 2023

Full Review

Gary Arnold

Washington Post

Padre Padrone seems a botched opportunity at a great emotional experience, a potential but unrealized classic.

Apr 30, 2018

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

It is a direct and moving film that doesn't overwhelm with its abstraction, rather it excites with its visceral impact. [Full review in Spanish]

Jan 17, 2024

Full Review

Danièle Dubroux

Cahiers du Cinéma

You don't need to belong to the new school of philosophy to see that the Tavianis' brand of optimism would be just a little ridiculous if there wasn't a chance that one day (if not already) we may have to take it seriously.

May 25, 2021

Full Review

Jesús Fernández Santos

El Pais (Spain)

Despite its rebellious message, double allegory, and social analysis, Padre Padrone alienates viewers, leaving them cold, as if they were reading a good report about some well known social problems. [Full Review in Spanish]

Jul 26, 2019

Full Review

Andrew L. Urban

Urban Cinefile

There are some strikingly beautiful images, all in context, as we touch themes of father-son conflict and coming of age drama

Jan 23, 2009

Full Review

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Leaburn O

I don't understand how anyone can enjoy this. A dreary palette depicts a story of rural life in Italy and an abusive father. There's no light relief and no purpose. Just drags interminably on. Dull and depressing in equal measure.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Unusually frank film by the Tavianis about the life of a shepherd in Sardinia; a must-see.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A piece of Italian cinema that deserves to be seen by new generations. Tough and very interestingly shot, this film is a hard one to chew on but it's also and incredibly piece of cinema.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

So, so boring ugh !!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Had a hard time getting into this film at first, and I had to start over twice. But then I set aside distraction and gave it a real chance. I discovered an unforgettable gem in this film about fathers and sons and about wanting more than your ancestors can even imagine.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A fine picture by the Tavianis. This is really a shepherd's drama with the main character being one and trying to escape this destiny. The one factor and person keeping him tied to this destiny is his father. The titular padre padrone. The film offers some beautiful images and strange events of a shepherd's life both as a child and a twenty year old man. Acting wise the film is covered by the naturalistic cast whose harshness match their surroundings. Standouts? Both Omero Antonutti as the father and Saverio Marconi as the twenty year old Gavino. The film's main issue is I believe the style. It is too straightforward and naturalistic while the picture at times isn't. There is a nice absurdism under the surface and in some sequences it really shines. Overall this is one to watch and appreciate for its naturalistic merits.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

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Paolo Taviani

Director

Vittorio Taviani

Director

Omero Antonutti

Father

Saverio Marconi

Gavino

Marcella Michelangeli

Mother

Fabrizio Forte

Young Gavino

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Synopsis

Drawn from the real experience of writer Gavino Ledda, the film finds impoverished Sardinian boy Gavino (Fabrizio Forte) forced to quit school by his overbearing and abusive father (Omero Antonutti). Committed to the traditions of his homeland, Gavino's father feels his son is of more use to the family as a shepherd than a student. As he matures, the adult Gavino (Saverio Marconi) finds his way in the world, first by discovering music and then by learning a trade while serving in the military.

Director: Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani
Producer: Giuliani G. De Negri
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 11, 2017
Runtime: 1h 54m

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