As an immigrant from a large family, “Rocco and his Brothers” has earned a special place in my heart.

There are many memorable scenes in it, but one that stands out for me is when Nadia (Annie Girardot) and Rocco (Alain Delon) have an intimate conversation at a cafe during Rocco’s military service. It offers a great contrast to the rest of the film, and specifically with the scene where the two argue on the roofs of the Duomo.

All the performances stand out, including the amazing Renato Salvatori (who later married Girardot) as Simone.

And the music, oh the music, by Nino Rota… so well balanced with the sumptuous photography by Giuseppe Rotunno (All That Jazz, The Leopard, Amarcord, Fellini’s Roma).

It didn’t feel like 179 minutes. I look forward to watching it again to appreciate the subtleties I may have missed the first time.