My Brother Is An Only Child (Mio fratello e figlio unico) | Review

Belonging to the stream of recent Italian films that reflect upon political rifts and social shifts in post fascist eras, this intimately records how such events may ultimately shape ideologies, but whatever political affiliations one belongs to makes little difference to one’s true alignment. Further proving that blood is thicker than water, the aptly titled My Brother Is an Only Child might resemble the sibling rivalry and historic references found in first-rate La Meglio gioventù, but Daniele Luchetti revisits political corrosion without a nostalgic model. A tautly example of family in conflict within a country in conflict, this Cannes’ Un Certain Regard selection should please audiences looking for a coming-of-age drama that offers a warm portrait neatly tugged underneath volatile brother rivalries and the political deep divide.

Based on Antonio Pennacchi Italian biographic novel, Stefano Rulli and Sandro Petraglia’s penned version revisits the 60’s and 70’s with the sort of charged emblematic character that are featured in the narrative’s two featured players. In true Italian form – the argumentative brothers named Accio and Manrico are almost naturally inclined to butt heads and this dynamism sort of symbolizes the political misalignment of the country. Despite his headstrong mannerisms, the younger brother Accio struggles to make sense of his place among the family, but his place among the still surviving right wing might validate his existence and certainly motivates his disaccord.

Moderate humor and a naivety in the protagonist make nice reflections on notions of self-discovery and despite the fact that the parts of the trials and tribulations in the 2nd and 3rd acts are pallid in demeanor, the warm character portrayals make for a light and entertaining watch, but the film’s treatment of a girl who poses between the two brothers and a final comment on who truly has the strongest convictions gives the film the extra temperament that is much needed.

In life those with the same genes often take different paths to differentiate themselves in the eyes of their parents – hence why the addition of the political paths works so well in juxtaposing and confirming these differences. Luchetti’s strong suit is that he passes very little judgment on the polar opposites and even less commentary on their political ideologies. This leaves sufficient room to demonstrate how one can be overshadowed by the presence of older, handsome-looking sibling than actually focalizing on Italy’s unresolved fascist past. Kuods go to the look of the drama and while this is not the most engrossing piece of cinema, it is a great deal of improvement over a national cinema that sometimes gets stuck in melodrama.

Reviewed: May 20th – 2007 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard

Runtime: 99 Min.

Rating 2.5 stars