Watch Family Diary

Family Diary is a stirring and thought-provoking Italian drama film that was released in 1962 and directed by Valerio Zurlini. Set in the years following World War II, the movie chronicles the lives of two brothers - Carlo Cantarelli, played by Marcello Mastroianni, and Nicola Cantarelli, played by Jacques Perrin - and their respective families as they navigate the ups and downs of their daily lives amidst the changing times.

The film is shot in a beautiful black and white that captures the warmth and tenderness of the relationships between the characters. The story takes place in Italy, starting from the end of the war in 1946, and dictates the lives of two brothers. Carlo and Nicola are the sons of a wealthy landowner and are brought up in a comfortable environment, surrounded by indulgence. They lead separate lives but are intrinsically bound by blood ties. Carlo is a gentle and caring person, who lives in luxury supported by his family's wealth. He lives a happy life with his wife and young daughter, who are the center of his world. Nicola, on the other hand, is a diffident young man, who moves to Rome to pursue his passion for literature.

As the film progresses, the story takes a more serious tone, and the characters are forced to confront harsh realities of life. Carlo starts to feel suffocated by the trappings of his wealth and the pressure of his social status. He is tormented by guilt for neglecting his longtime lover and the mother of his children in favor of his wife. Similarly, Nicola is unable to find a foothold in the literary world and feels himself drawn to communism. Meanwhile, the political situation in Italy becomes increasingly tense with workers' strikes and protests sweeping across the country.

Family Diary is a film that delves deep into the lives of its characters, exploring their emotional states and vulnerabilities. The movie masterfully portrays the complexity of family relationships, the difficulties of maintaining friendships, and the pain of unrequited love. The film's dialogue and screenplay are well-crafted, enabling the actors to deliver stunning performances as they navigate their characters' conflicted emotions.

One of the highlights of Family Diary is the exceptional cinematography. The cinematographer, Tino Santoni, creates breathtaking scenes that capture the beauty of Italy's landscape. The film's varied settings - from the countryside to the bustling city of Rome - are meticulously captured, making the movie a visual feast.

Another interesting aspect of the film is its commentary on the social and political upheavals that were taking place in Italy during the post-war period. The film touches on themes such as class struggle, corruption, and communism, providing a glimpse into the political situation of the time.

Overall, Family Diary is a poignant and insightful movie that delves deep into the lives of its characters, exploring their emotions and relationships. The stellar performances of the cast, coupled with the breathtaking cinematography, make this film a must-watch for fans of Italian cinema.

Family Diary is a 1962 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.