: The cast spoke in their native Sicilian dialect, which was so thick that even other Italians required narration or subtitles to understand it.

: Just as their independence begins to bring prosperity and hope, a violent storm wrecks their boat. Without insurance or savings, the family is left with nothing.

The story is set in , a small coastal village in Sicily. It follows the Valastro family , particularly the idealistic eldest son, 'Ntoni .

: In the end, a defeated 'Ntoni is forced to swallow his pride and return to work as a day laborer for the very wholesalers he once defied. Cinematic Significance