1900

On April 25, 1945, Italy is liberated from fascist rule, marking a significant turning point in the nation’s history. This event serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama in a rural estate in Emilia-Romagna.

In the chaos of liberation, local peasants rally to arrest their oppressive landowner, Alfredo Berlinghieri. Amid this turmoil, Attila and Regina make an attempt to escape but are stopped by laborers brandishing pitchforks, showcasing the rising tensions between the oppressed and their oppressors.

On January 27, 1901, two infants are born moments apart, Alfredo Berlinghieri and Olmo Dalcò, representing drastically different social classes. Alfredo is the heir of a wealthy family, whereas Olmo is born to a peasant girl, setting the stage for their future contrasting paths.

Despite their vastly different upbringings, Alfredo and Olmo develop a deep childhood friendship. They share innocent adventures, but tensions brew as Alfredo begins to feel the weight of his family's secrets and peer pressures.

In 1908, Alfredo's grandfather, overwhelmed by despair, commits suicide, leaving the estate to Alfredo's father, Giovanni. This familial tragedy marks a turning point in Alfredo's life as he grapples with his impending responsibilities.

After his grandfather's death, Olmo leaves the estate to join a socialist youth group and later enlists in the Italian army during World War I. His departure signifies a divergence in their paths and his commitment to fighting for the rights of the oppressed.

In 1919, after returning from war, Olmo reunites with Alfredo, but their meeting is clouded by the presence of Attila, the sadistic new foreman. The grim atmosphere foreshadows the increasing brutality that will engulf both their lives.

Attila Mellanchini, embracing fascist ideology, takes over as the foreman in 1922, treating the workers with increasing brutality. His presence creates a hostile environment that further deepens the divide between Alfredo and Olmo.

In 1930, Alfredo marries the beautiful Ada Chiostri Polan, marking a personal victory amidst the chaos around him. Their union represents a brief moment of solace before the harsh realities of life intrude once again.

Olmo finds love but suffers a tragic loss when Anita, his partner, dies during childbirth. This sorrow thrusts him into the role of a single father and further galvanizes his commitment to fighting for workers' rights.

By 1935, tensions escalate between Alfredo, who is paralyzed by fear and helplessness, and Attila, whose cruelty reaches new heights. This conflict culminates in violent confrontations as the workers start to resist under Olmo's leadership.

In the early 1940s, as World War II intensifies, Olmo leads the villagers in a revolt against Attila, resulting in acts of defiance, including throwing manure at him. This resistance reflects the growing unrest among the working class in the face of oppression.

As the story circles back to April 25, 1945, Alfredo faces a tribunal of workers led by Anita the Younger. The trial brings forth debates about his complicity in the suffering inflicted by Attila, presenting a moment of reckoning for Alfredo.

During the tribunal, Olmo intervenes to plead for Alfredo, emphasizing that class distinctions are now irrelevant in light of the regime's fall. This pivotal moment signifies a shift towards social consciousness among individuals of varied backgrounds.

The film concludes with a contemplative scene of Alfredo and Olmo walking along an abandoned railway track, reminiscing about their childhood. In an act that combines nostalgia and despair, Alfredo lays down in the track's path as a train approaches, symbolizing their lifelong struggles.