TextKristen Bateman
Federico Fellini's Amarcord (Italian for "I remember") is a masterful cultural
commentary on the everyday life of 1930s Fascist Italy. With humour, grace and a
typically surreal Fellini-esque style (after all, this is the man who once remarked, "life
is a combination of magic and pasta") the famed director reveals the inner workings of
an eccentric cast of characters in the village of Borgo San Giuliano, right outside
Fellini's hometown of Rimini. Through a string of comic scenes, such as a town
bonfire, snowball fights and spontaneous dances on decrepit hotel terraces, Fellini
delves deep into politics and rituals of the village. Here, we reflect on what we can
learn from the enchanting Amarcord.
4. Question everything
Throughout the film, the narrative follows a strictly enforced Fascist lifestyle in the
character's schools, their homes and even outside on the streets. Families are
separated, people are unfairly questioned or threatened. But one thing that continues
throughout the film is the never-ending string of rebellion. Some young boys question
or mock disinterested teachers while others daydream during government parades
about how things may be different one day. Motorcyclists frequently zoom through
the town center in displays of exhibitionism. It's a lesson to never give up one's
rebellious spirit.
Amarcord (film still) 1973Amarcord (film still) 1973