The Tree of Wooden Clogs

The Tree of Wooden Clogs is a 1978 Italian film directed by Ermanno Olmi. Set in the late 19th century, the movie depicts the daily lives of peasants in Lombardy, Northern Italy. The story unfolds in a rural farming community, where four families share a small feudal estate owned by a wealthy landlord.

The film revolves around the life of a young boy named Batistì (played by Luca Brignone), who comes from a poor family of farmers. He is enrolled in a local school to learn basic reading and writing skills. The school is run by a kindly but stern teacher who takes great pride in the education of his pupils.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to various characters, including the hard-working farmer Berlinghiero (Luigi Ornaghi), his wife Annetta (Francesca Moriggi), and their children. We also get to know Runk (Omar Brignoli), a kindly and wise old man who serves as a counselor to the community.

As the film progresses, we witness the daily struggles and triumphs of the farming families, who work hard to maintain their way of life. We see them planting and harvesting crops, caring for animals, and attending to the needs of their families. There are moments of joy and celebration, such as a wedding feast, where the community comes together to share in the happiness of the newlyweds. There are also moments of hardship and tragedy, such as the death of a child or the loss of a crop due to poor weather conditions.

Despite their hardships, the families remain resilient and continue to support each other through thick and thin. They take great pride in their work and their community, and they are fiercely protective of their way of life. They also have a strong sense of faith, which provides comfort and guidance in times of need.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its stunning cinematography. The lush landscape of Lombardy is captured in detail, from the rolling hills and pastoral scenery to the rustic homes and farming tools. The film also features beautiful shots of the changing seasons, depicting the passing of time in a way that is both natural and poetic.

The film was praised for its realism and authenticity, as Olmi took great care to ensure that the film accurately depicted the lives of the peasants in Lombardy. He used non-professional actors, many of whom were actual farmers from the region, to create a sense of verisimilitude. This approach paid off, as the film won the Palme d'Or at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival and is widely considered to be a masterpiece of Italian neorealism.

In conclusion, The Tree of Wooden Clogs is a beautiful and moving film that offers a glimpse into the lives of rural Italian farmers in the late 19th century. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of these communities, who worked hard to maintain their way of life in the face of hardship and adversity. With its stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and authentic depiction of peasant life, this film is a true cinematic masterpiece.