Padre Padrone is a 1977 Italian film directed by the Taviani Brothers. The movie is based on the autobiographical novel of Gavino Ledda, who was born in a poor Sardinian family in the 1930s.
Gavino's father was an illiterate and violent shepherd who believed that his son should follow in his footsteps and become a shepherd as well. Gavino's education was limited to practical skills, such as farming and breeding animals, and he was forbidden from attending school.
Gavino's life changed when he met a teacher who encouraged him to break free from his father's grip and pursue his education. Gavino started reading books and teaching himself Latin, despite his father's violent opposition.
The movie depicts the harsh conditions of Sardinian rural life, where poverty and ignorance prevailed. Gavino's struggle to overcome his father's authority and his determination to fight for his education inspire the audience as they see him grow and mature throughout the movie.
Padre Padrone won the Palme d'Or at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival, and it is considered a masterpiece of post-war Italian cinema. The movie's stark realism, combined with the poetic cinematography and the powerful performances of all its actors, create an unforgettable portrait of a young man's struggle for personal freedom and intellectual growth in a hostile environment.