The Tree of Wooden Clogs (1978)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  186 Minutes  

Rated: Not Rated     

Genre: Drama, History

Director: Ermanno Olmi

Starring: Luigi Ornaghi, Francesca Moriggi, Omar Brignoli, Antonio Ferrari, Teresa Brescianini, Giuseppe Brignoli

IMDB Rank: 7.8/10 (Since October 2023)

Part 1 Time:  103 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:   83 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Batistina (Francesca Moriggi) gives birth to her third child. Batistì (Luigi Ornaghi) is delighted, but also worried that his family will be unable to provide for the child.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Remember what your poor mother used to say? When a little angel comes to earth, God gives him his own bundle.” Batistina responds to a worried Batistì.

First line of dialogue on the second part: No dialogue in the opening scene, as Minek (Omar Brignoli) leaves school. His wooden clog snaps as he runs down the stairs.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal/ Somewhat, Batistì’s family deals with the struggles of being a poor peasant family. How will the Batistì’s family adjust with the new addition to their family or will the baby be given up?

Which part is better? The film follows four peasant families working on farms for the same landlord. Each family has a meagre existence and is consistently under strain of the ups and downs of life, forcing each family to make decisions that could ultimately lead to destitution. Part one is given the advantage as the daily life of a 19th century Italian peasant family is exhibited, showcasing the volatility of a peasant lifestyle.

Awards:  1978 Palme d’Or (Winner), 1980 BAFTA- Flaherty Documentary Award (Winner)