Dois Destinos

This is one of the most moving films ever made. The atmosphere, the settings, the use of colour and the superb mastery of Zurlini's hand make Mastroianni and Perrin reach unthought-of characterisations of the two unhappy brothers. This is not a movie for all audiences. Its own qualities make it selective in itself. All the misery, sorrow, suffering and delicacy of the feelings that pervade the life of the two characters are brought to life with a sort of detachment and (paradoxically as it may seem) intimacy seldom seen in the screen. Absolutely a must. When will this masterpiece be available on DVD ?

Two brothers ;one of them,after his mother's death (she died during the birth)is taken in by a rich man,the other has to manage .But things will not turn out as expected.

The movie is a long flashback ,Enrico's somber meditation on his young brother's fate ,whom he only saw sporadically.There are a lot of holes in the plot,probably the weakest link of an unusual film.Mastroianni and Perrin (hardly 21) give strong performances which allow the movie to avoid pathos and melodrama.They are given strong support by madame Sylvie,as their grand-mother.What will strike you in Zurlini's film is the total absence of happiness,in the world which has forgot what it is to be happy:even the scene at the restaurant where the two boys invite their grandma is downright depressing;later the money the old lady gives to her grandson leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.All the scenes in the hospital are harsh,and may repel some.

It was the second time Zurlini and Perrin had teamed up,after "la ragazza con la valiglia".The last time ,in 1976,was the making of their masterpiece (Zurlini:director;Perrin:producer and actor) " Il deserto dei Tartari" from Buzatti's eponymous novel.

"Cronica familiare" is a movie that deserves to be watched,unless you're down in the dumps.

Never heard of this film until 3/20 at 2 am..Thanks to TCM.. & Ive been a fan of Mastroianni & Italian cinema for decades... this is a real beauty..another hidden treasure.. really wanted to sleep (Im an insomniac) but couldnt It was magnificent..Mastroianni was one of the grreatest actors ever on Cinema.. & this film is special..same year as Divorce Italian Style & a year prior to 8 1/2...this film was hidden dont recall it being released in US theatres & was going to see his movies at that time..Mastroianni is magnificent, & as his younger brother, Jacques Perrin is outstanding as is the entire..(unknown to me ,cast) can't wait to see again..Must mention the photography.. filmed like beautiful Italian paintings subtle earth tones, realistic, soft yet striking..each frame is a work of art..Bravo..can't wait to see again & again

In war-ravaged Italy, tubercular journalist Marcello Mastroianni (as Enrico) learns little brother Jacques Perrin (as Lorenzo) has passed… In flashback, we learn the brothers were separated upon the death of their mother, and led different lives. They are reunited as estranged adults, grow to love each other as brothers, and are again separated by death. The co-starring lead actors give it all the believability they can muster - which, when you have Mastroianni and Perrin acting, is considerable - but, there is a noticeable age difference, they never look deathly ill, and are each distractingly handsome. As a result, they often seem more like lovers than brothers. Shameless as ever, Sylvie (as Grandmother) claims it's "easy to see" that they are brothers. Well, okay. Director Valerio Zurlini and cameraman Giuseppe Rotunno make this English-retitled "Family Diary" look amazingly beautiful - herein, a old radiator against a stark wall is a work of art. They, and the haunting performances, do make it worth watching.

******* Cronaca familiare (9/62) Valerio Zurlini ~ Marcello Mastroianni, Jacques Perrin, Sylvie, Salvo Randone

In 1945, Enrico Corsi (Marcello Mastroianni) receives news of his younger brother Lorenzo's death. He recalls their earlier lives. Their mother had died from complications giving birth to Lorenzo. With their father sick, Lorenzo was raised by an English baron's butler as a gentleman while Enrico was raised by their poor grandmother. Next, they run into each other in 1935. They have been estranged from each other and from their sick father. History is recounted as they come to terms with their brotherhood. Enrico has the drive from his poverty. Lorenzo has no ambition and struggles to find a steady job. His pretty face is not enough. He joins medical trials and falls ill.

Whether it's Enrico's narration or the dialogue, everything is in a hush tone. It is a sad grinding descend. It's a little distancing especially when we're told about his bad marriage but never meet his wife. There are a lot of talking but it feels melodramatic. Mastroianni remains a master. I don't think I can stay with this movie without him.