The Taste of Wheat
Every man has memories of his life ..
from a point ...
For some, the first memory is a toy ...
For others ... the taste of a food ...
a place ... a word, a face ...
different things.
The first remembrance I have of my life ...
is of my mother ...
on her deathbed.
- Professor! - Yes, what?
Will we finish the last chapter today?
Finish tomorrow.
You are quite pleased with the book, aren't you?
- Yes - And why?
My mother also died when I was born.
The reason that I called you here, teacher ...
It was necessary to remind you...
This is you first year teaching, is it not?
Yes Exactly.
You must note on the Daily class plan
the lessons you are giving,
in the event that an inspection is made by the Director General.
You may not realize, but they are a bit demanding.
All right, sir.
In reading a book to the class ...
Cronaca Familiare
by Vasco Pratolini.
You are aware, that according to the Catholic Church
This book is recommended only for mature readers?
In other words, for "those with training in theological doctrine
and skills in critical thinking. "
No, I did not know of this recommendation.
Now you do.
And it's what I wanted to make sure you knew...
- Allow me - not that I agree with it.
I apologize.
In an Italian lesson, one of the students
made a reference
recommending the use of a rather explicit expression.
I do not understand ...
Used the phrase "buy a child"
the verb "pup".
- But this is school work. - Exactly.
And you think I should not correct this misconception?
The verb is all too realistic.
And you're still a student.
And you were lucky to get this job
at the outset.
Do not assume that you have the same luck next year.
And if you want some advice ...
don't have too many illusions about these students.
Better to avoid nasty surprises.
Also, I tell you
will have to be responsible
as if we represent the interests of the parents.
All right. I understand the responsibility.
Teacher! The Italian class homework?
Well, by the way, Ivano ...
Are you sure that your sister bought a child?
Of course, not "bought," teacher!
- Why write that, then? - Because this is a school.
And my work, professor?
It was good. And that of Duilio too.
You attended the same school?
No, he from Civitella, a city of yokels.
- Whose city is full of hicks? - You yourself, right?
Who knows Rosario, who lives in Civitella?
In the hospital with heart problems, the whole family.
But he was discharged two days ago. I'd like to see him.
I told my father he needs to talk to you. He comes on Friday.
Yes, but I would see the father of everybody.
At least once a semester.
Professor, for those who live nearby it's easy,
but it is very complicated to live far away.
- What is your age, Gabriele? - Seventeen. Why?
Just curious.
I'm just here to graduate. My father doesn't want me to work in the field.
And you prefer the school or the field?
The school, teacher! In the field is just work!
And your father?
I prefer to come to school, despite having a lot of work in the field.
Well, today, since I am going to Civitella ...
I am going to the home of Rosario first and then to yours. Okay?
If you want ...
Then after school you always comes to the bar?
Yes
- And when do you study? - At night.
So, goodbye. I see you tomorrow at school.
Goodbye, teacher.
What are you doing here?
Didn't you want to meet my parents?
- Sure. - Did you visit Rosario?
- Yes - I live outside the city.
You ride a bike?
More or less.
So come on. They are waiting for you.
He talks about you so much it's as if I already knew you.
Really?
- Good night. - This is my father.
- Good night. - Excuse me. I won't shake your hand.
I have just come from the barn.
Sit down, teacher.
Thank you.
Serve the wine.
- You want some too, Mauro? - Yes
I shall follow the teacher.
Mom ... For me too?
Your Health, teacher!
Your Health.
I should have remembered that the last bus leaves at 5:30.
Relax! I'll catch a taxi.
Like my family?
Yes
Come again?
- What a question! - When?
Tomorrow, if you like.
I would like to see you every day.
It takes time and I wanted to give this to you.
But you just went to the house of Rosario.
It was unfinished. Wasn't like I wanted.
Here.
You did this?
Yes
For me?
Yes
It is oak?
No, it's pine. See the color?
My grandfather is very fond of you.
When you come, he gets up.
It is a compliment.
Because in general he stays seated and never talks about anything.
Should've seen him two years ago.
He was the strongest man of the village.
Look at him now.
It is with cancer, I guess you didn't know.
Want to see where my mother is?
I can show you where my brothers are too.
My mother was always happy.
Like my grandmother.
She had long hair, like my sister Adalgisa.
Everyone has a dream you want to come true ...
even if it seems impossible.
Sometimes it seems that the world whole is against you ...
And most of the time, it is.
Like everyone, I have a dream ...
immutable ...
which remains a secret.
Heard there was a professor who moved here.
Yes, a few days ago.
I imagine that was to be closer to their students.
That too.
Your reason ...
was not to give private lessons to Rosario Toniutto?
Yes. And not only to him. Why?
Well, you should know it is forbidden to give private lessons.
I believe I can use my free time as I will.
Of course you can.
But a teacher can not receive money teaching outside of school ...
Much less than from the students themselves!
The private classes that I give are absolutely free.
Am I to believe that you spend your afternoons ...
giving lessons to review? Hard to credit.
It is exactly what I do. You don't believe?
By God! Not for me to say.
- Been here long? - No, only some ten days.
- Come on up? - Yes
- It's all white? - Yes. So there is more light.
Excuse me.
What room is this? The room?
You can name this room.
- And this is the bathroom. - Yes
- This is your room? - Yes
Well, you can clean up the place during the holidays.
Clean, yes.
- Where is the kitchen? - Ali.
Let me turn on the light.
What time is it? I do not want to miss the train.
Do not worry. We have time.
I asked because of my mother. Always worries when I'm late.
It is not so bad.
I am happy to have met you.
Why?
Because I like you. A lot.
No. Not now.
What are you doing Saturday night?
- You can come here. - I can't. I have a party.
Why don't you come?
- So I can introduce you to Bruno. - Who is Bruno?
He is my boyfriend. Didn't I mention him?
You should have told me that you didn't like to dance.
You are sitting there drinking all night ...
Are you uncomfortable with anything? Is something wrong?
I'm fine, thanks.
He is young ... for a teacher.
I imagine that is a temporary job.
At the moment, yes.
Why not dance a little with Cecilia? Let's exchange places.
Come on, dance with him.
He is really your boyfriend?
I started with him three years ago.
He is married but is separated. What should I call him?
So why sleep with me?
You are very naive, Lorenzo.
I sleep with what I want ... and when I want.
As for feelings ...
Illusions are for children.
You always wash with cold water?
When it's this hot, yes.
Your pants have dirt on them.
Need to get them cleaned.
- Give me a brush. - Want me to clean them for you?
No.
So let's go home. The brush is inside.
Oh Sir! I was drying and didn't realize. Teacher is cleaning his own pants!
- What's wrong with that? - I have never seen anything like it!
Have dinner with us?
- Thank you, but today I can not. - Why?
Of all things! To ask that the teacher!
He does anything you want!
Don't answer then -- because old Grandma says!
Such a pity, teacher.
See how disrespects me?
Duilio ... Take the milk in town.
- Excuse me, lady. - Of course.
- Be careful not to fall. - Good Evening.
- Good evening, Professor. - Duilio invited me to dinner.
- I can accept? - Absolutely.
We hope we have something you like.
Absolutely.
Good evening, Professor. I am going to to bed.
- So soon, lady? - Usually I go to bed at 8.
I made an exception for you.
That's her way, teacher. Don't give it any importance.
You didn't notice, but she won't even dine with us.
Man and woman at the table in the kitchen.
Good evening again, professor. See you next time.
- Good night. - Sleep well.
- Want a cup of coffee, professor? - Yes, thank you.
- And you? - Yes
Later we can take a bit of grappa.
See how my grandmother is?
Yes, but I did not like the way who spoke with her.
My daughter is Adalgisa, just like Duilio.
They sometimes make me very nervous.
Poor girl! After all that's happened!
Hey, teacher! So many things happened!
My daughter was studying in a college.
The nuns of the college wanted the whole amount it would cost to the convent.
So I was talking with the nuns and asked them ...
to send her back home ... at least for a while.
So she would know a little of the world ...
You understand that.
My wife and my two first children died.
Those who remained were the Adalgisa and Duilio ...
who was saved by a miracle, after the death of his mother.
Thank you.
Then I met this woman ...
who was also widowed.
She took care of the children as if they were her own.
But the sadness is endless, teacher.
Now my father was a cancer in his stomach ...
How are you today?
You will have noticed. I've eaten almost nothing.
And when I thought that fate had finished with us ...
I had problems with Adalgisa.
She did not want another woman in the bed of her mother.
I think ... so, she wanted to go to the convent.
The nuns never understood anything!
because ... if they had understood,
they would not have ... insisted
on making my daughter become a nun.
Both asking and praying ....
could convince them that she should stay with me for a while.
Meanwhile, the nun began to write to her.
I hid the cards ...
and answered myself ...
instead of my daughter.
Imagine, teacher ...
It was already a long time ...
since I held a pen.
I wrote saying she wanted to go one more time here
before entering the convent.
So I said to my daughter
that if that was really her vocation ...
she should expect ...
that to complete their studies, she went to the home of my sister in Milan
Yes, I know I am poor.
But I am as good as any other father.
The process of producing machinery ...
was the determining factor for the industrial revolution ...
in the last century.
- Excuse me. - Good morning.
Good morning, teacher. Here's your coffee.
Thanks, Berto.
One minute only.
I will give you ...
Wait a minute I will get a towel.
Professor, Shall I get you another coffee?
That's not necessary.
The teacher should not have coffee. He's already nervous.
Stay with me today?
No.
Sorry. It was a stupid question.
What we do is not enough?
If it's all we can do together... no.
Things always upset you. I know it's complicated!
So is it a complication the fact that I love you?
But I love you too.
And also love Bruno?
Sure.
When we are together, you think of me?
Always.
But I come second to you. Always.
And I always think. It's not enough?
No.
I have to go, Lorenzo. Come with me, it's late.
Do you like my hair up like this?
Or loose?
Lorenzo? Will you not say anything?
I asked you a question.
Why do you want to know? Are you really interested?
When I come here I want to leave looking nice.
So stop coming.
What did you say?
You listened very well, Cecilia.
Go away.
Finished? Just so?
Yes. Like that.
Okay, Lorenzo.
Goodbye.
Stop. Here it is.
- You see that house in the background? - Yes
You can deliver it without saying who sent it? I'll wait here.
- No message to go with it? - No. Nothing.
- Is it a surprise? - Yes
Thanks for the record player and the book in English.
Why not come? Could have Tuesday dinner with us.
Here. Today is your birthday.
- How did you know that? - It is not difficult to know these things.
- What is it? - You'll see.
These are all my poems.
I think it's asking too much to correct them.
Skip the channel! Come on!
- No. - It's easy.
- I can not! - Come on!
You see? You made it.
It is important to differentiate one tree from another.
- So teach me. - Teaching? Me?
- Yes, you. - OK. Let's try.
What are those trees there in the background?
- I do not know. - San poplars.
Do not you see, by the way?
And those, near the poplars?
- I do not know. - Are wattles ...
Carvalho. Carvalheira.
Do not you see? They are very easy to recognize.
Is your mother still alive?
No. She died a short time ago.
And your father?
He has another family.
You do not have sisters?
No.
- No siblings? - No siblings.
I wish I had a brother like you.
Who cooks for you?
It depends. I eat out, or do for myself.
Before your mother died, was when you were happiest?
- I do not know. - How can you not know?
- You loved your mother? - Absolutely.
So you would be more happy.
I was ... someone else. Understand?
Maybe. Anyway, you look like me.
Sure.
- This is to give departure. - The ignition. And this?
- To stop. - To stop.
- This is the brake. - This?
- This is the clutch. - The clutch.
- And that is the march. - The march. How many are there?
- Be the first, second ... - And the third. OK.
- And this? - This is the accelerator.
The accelerator. The accelerator!
Put your hands here to address. The shoulders back.
- The ignition is there, remember. - The ignition.
- Do not go too fast. - OK.
Let's take a spin? Come on.
This is the first volume of an encyclopedia that ...
I will give to Duilio.
What a big book! Bigger than me!
You should not give expensive gifts, teacher.
It must have cost a lot.
We can never repay.
It was nothing, lady. Doesn't cost me anything.
It is an older version of what I'll be using in college.
It will be more useful for him now than for me.
Professor, would you like a bit of wine?
No, thanks.
Come with me. I have to go to the barn.
You know what we call this cow?
- No. - Colomba.
That is Rosetta. The others are Bianca and Berta.
A beautiful family. They are all females?
Of course! If we had a bull here ...
they'd never sleep at night.
Once in a while we get semen of a bull ...
and put in the cows. To get the calves.
But not Colomba.
She lost a calf.
We did everything we could to save him, but failed.
She has suffered enough.
Note ... Still red on account of what happened.
- What is it? - Nothing?
I was listening.
I should've thanked you for the encyclopedia.
Doesn't matter.
Yes it does.
But how will bring the other volumes to me?
- I will bring one at a time. - Many?
Eight.
You know Mara of the class?
The one who always says yes?
She told me that when you marry you will want to have many children ...
And that will name the first boy ...
- Lorenzo. - Why?
Because Mara loves you.
We found a journal in her purse.
You should have read what she wrote!
I am sorry for Mara. I noticed that she liked me me ... But do not think ...
But how can someone be so stupid?
Mara knew you were involved with someone.
What happened? Are you angry?
No, no ... Because ...
I am not "involved."
And that picture you guard in your wallet?
It is the picture of a girl I knew for some time.
And still keep a picture of her?
Come on, Duilio. Get up. Come on!
The car is here, It's been waiting five minutes.
Good evening, madam.
- Bye, Duilio. - Bye.
Where is he?
He's waiting for you in the bar, Professor.
- Thank you. - Sure.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Excuse me, professor, for coming here.
No problem. Why the visit?
I wanted to talk to you. But ... sit ...
Thank you.
- What can I offer you? - No, thanks.
I apologize, but I can only talk a little while.
My class starts in ten minutes.
I came here to talk about Duilio.
We're taking a lot of work at the moment ...
and even my wife needs help.
The grandmother is failing ... Gets tired very quickly.
You want me to stop visiting Duilio?
Why do you say that?
Give me time to explain.
Go ahead.
You know, teacher ... The work in the field is about to begin ...
and I need for my son help me in the afternoon.
What did you wife tell you last night?
Why are you asking me this?
So tell me the real purpose of his visit.
It is on account of the encyclopedia.
I do not understand why you give him so many gifts, teacher.
You know, professor, I wonder ...
about your love for Duilio.
And it's what he wants. Yes, I know ...
you also go to home of the other students.
But with my own, it seems to be different.
So ... That is the truth. As simple as that.
I understand that the boy ...
loves you more than me.
If this is true ...
I swear, professor. This is the whole truth.
It doesn't take into account what my wife told me.
But what did your wife tell you?
Do not be upset, please.
She is a woman, teacher ...
and she has deeper feelings about Duilio and things than I do.
She thinks I did something with your child, doesn't she?
Do not say that.
But it was what she said.
Yes, professor.
That is what my wife thinks.
And does Duilio know this?
Well, he heard his mother and the grandmother talk ...
but did not understand what they were saying.
- It this what you think ... - Listen, teacher ...
My son says that we are all ignorant.
Me, my wife, his grandmother ...
That we do not understand anything!
Says that if his sister was at home ...
it wouldn't be a problem.
I think we have nothing more talk about.
Just a minute, professor.
You may visit us whenever you want.
But I want to be able to feel that Duilio is mine.
At least for a while.
Can I use at field work as an excuse ...
or perhaps you can also come up with something.
So Duilio doesn't feel completely forgotten.
Do me this favor, teacher.
It is not a matter of favor.
Duilio ... is yours.
- Gabriele! Get out! - Why?
Get out now, before I put you out!
Get out! Animal!
Hi, Lorenzo.
I knew that you would call me.
Grandpa was taken to hospital.
And dad asked me to invite you to come visit us today.
- Okay. - What time?
Once you eat, I'll see you then.
I hope.
Thanks for coming, teacher.
My pleasure.
How are you, lady?
Managing ...
And you, how are you? It's been some time since you were here.
Take your time, professor.
Professor, I ask you a favor.
Anything you want.
My father went to the hospital for some tests.
But before you go ... he begged
for Duilio to visit him on Sunday with you.
Absolutely. We can go on next Sunday.
There is no hurry.
You can go when most convenient.
I thought they wanted...
Absolutely.
And I want him more than anyone.
Is that okay there?
Should not ...
You want some candy?
Yes thank you.
Take this. It is honey.
How are you, Mr. Luigi?
Well .. Since I came here ...
started to improve ...
and my appetite increased.
Duilio ... grandmother has calmed down?
Yes, grandpa.
It's madness ...
that she can not visit me.
But, seriously ...
how long does it take
to do four tests?
I'll come back to visit you... With the teacher.
Duilio ...
Come closer.
Do not be so much work for your grandmother.
Do not play with guns.
You are so young.
Yes
Professor ...
He is with you ...
and loves you so much!
Do not leave.
I do not understand that painting.
There are so many colors, but it seems that only has one.
You like to draw?
Yes, very.
But I prefer working with clay. And with wood.
What will you have?
- What do you want? - Gnocchi.
- And for you? - Gnocchi as well. With butter.
Then a sauce for gnocchi and one of butter.
- I'll have butter. - Okay.
And for the main course, we have a good fish fry.
- Like fish?. - Yes
So a fry for two.
And to follow? A salad?
A salad? Yes
- Red wine or white? - To me, white.
Uh, white for me too.
Is he your brother?
- Yes - I thought so. So similar.
I like that answer.
If you never told them the truth they'd believe you.
But I can just look at you and I would know.
You don't have to say anything.
My sister is crazy to meet you.
I already talked so much about you, that you can already be considered friends.
You know she is coming to spend a few days with us, right?
Great. I'll finally meet her.
Already invited to dinner.
So we get together.
- Hello, Lorenzo. - Hello, Adalgisa.
- Do you like this record? - Yes, very.
Me too. I bought it in Milan for Duilio.
It was so nice of you to give him a record player.
- What are you doing? - He lost, right?
I've never seen my brother like that.
He has changed a lot.
Can we play a match?
When I finish this.
- Duilio, what is it? - Leave it there.
Ignore it.
Are you deaf, boy?
Scratched. What a pity ...
In here.
- Take off your shoes. - Why?
My grandmother will clean them tomorrow.
I think not. I can clean them.
Do not make much noise. Leave them here.
Ready? Come on.
Good night, Lorenzo. Until tomorrow.
Bye. Good night.
The fourth door from the end is yours.
I am glad you are sleeping here.
What can I prepare for you, professor?
I made a coffee, thanks. I do not like anything in the morning.
But it's too little! Can bring a roll with butter?
- Or perhaps eggs? - Do not insist, Grandma!
Well, do whatever you want.
Ignore it. Sometimes more than I can take.
Today I am going to the hairdresser in the city. Do you want to come with me?
There is no one else at home?
No. Everyone's in the field.
When I go home, I want a makeover from top to bottom.
As if I anyone cares!
You are not going unnoticed.
What is this? A compliment or a reprimand?
A compliment. Do not worry.
We didn't talk much yesterday.
We can start now.
Have a girlfriend?
No.
I had someone.
But it's not as if I never had.
Make time to teach?
No. It is the first year.
You look like more an older brother of the students.
So everyone says.
And you, what do you do in Milan?
Well, work. Study. Above all, have fun.
- You lives with your aunt? - Yes
And paid for it. Even for a glass of water.
How's your aunt?
A leading zero. Did you know?
No, but Duilio already told me of her. He likes her a lot.
My brother loves everybody. It is his worst defect.
You like him very much, right?
Yes. Very.
And why so?
Simply because he like me.
Ivano.
Duilio did not come on tour?
I do not know. I do not see him.
Duilio! Come here!
You come here! Can't you see that I am busy?
Or are you afraid of falling?
Look what you did to your shoes.
You should've stayed put.
You're upset, right?
You're playing with me.
- You are! - You are mistaken.
- Why did not come with us today? - Why should I have gone?
Duilio, look at me.
I am here with you now. It is not enough?
Give me your hand.
And now, that the terms is over ... When will I see you?
Anytime. Write me and I'll come.
Listen ... A friend of mine ...
was in school, but was expelled.
Fifteen years old and doesn't want to go to school.
He lives near my house.
I told him that maybe you could give him private lessons ...
in the coming year put him next in the series.
I can not give private lessons for students of the school.
And then, even if it could, I would have to move elsewhere.
That is why I asked.
We are pleased you have come.
Cecilia told me that you will be going back to Venice.
Yes, in a few days. It's a requirement.
And the year after -- coming back to teach?
I do not know.
Well, anyway, you can always come visit.
If you want to.
Sure.
Bruno, you must go now. It is six o'clock.
It is true. Already the time. And you, when you go to the beach?
Tomorrow, with my mother.
Lorenzo, Will you stay with me tonight?
If Bruno does not mind ...
Why should I care?
Wake up, it is late.
Hi
Give me a kiss.
I never see you...
See me how?
I wish I'd wake up ...
and find you by my side.
Gotta go! Come on, get up!
Can I go to the beach with you?
No.
But why not go out in public?
With people around? ...
I said over a thousand times.
Because of Bruno.
Been with him a long time already ...
We are getting married next month.
Lorenzo... nothing will change.
We'll still see each other.
Please stop talking.
I won't be tied down.
I think if I'm left alone I won't have lost much.
Should I go?
There's a postcard for you.
Can't be. Nobody writes me.
Looks like it.
A certain Duilio.
It says to come immediately; his grandfather died.
Who is this Duilio? A friend?
Yes
Yes, it is my best friend.
And only twelve years old.
- Is one of your students? - No.
It's somebody who taught me everything.
I would have liked to have gone to the beach with you.
I'm late. I know.
No. Come on.
My sister's not living with my aunt anymore.
Threw her out and left her stuff on the porch.
Nobody knows what happened.
Poor Grandpa.
If he only knew the confusion that happened after his death ...
he would have done everything possible not to die.
My aunt's husband started the whole mess.
My father offered him money to keep the ranch.
but my aunt and my Uncle wanted more.
But then ended up accepting.
But they told us that ... as far as they care ...
we're dead to them.
I am happy that you came for me.
You still have the boat that I gave you?
Yes
And the poems?
That too.
I never gave good gifts except for you.
The very best.
Everybody likes having you here.
Have you seen my mother?
It was she who said you could sleep with me.
Now, finally ... she understood everything.
You would never do anything to hurt me.
You can come back any time.
You are always welcome.
Thank you.
Goodbye, teacher. Bon voyage.
Coming back next year to teach here again?
I think not. I do not know where they will send me.
Thank you for everything.
And I'm sorry.
How beautiful you are ... when you smile.
Not coming back?
No, Duilio. I can not.
It is not true that you can not.
You don't want to.