Bread and Chocolate Poster

Bread and Chocolate 1974

★ 7.297 votes115 min📅 1974-05-05

"You'll Laugh Till Your Heart Breaks"

Franco Brusati's heartfelt 1974 comedy-drama *Bread and Chocolate* follows Nino Manfredi as an Italian immigrant chasing a better life in Switzerland, only to find himself trapped in a cycle of demeaning, low-wage jobs that push his resilience to the limit.

Director: Franco Brusati

Cast

Nino Manfredi
Nino Manfredi
Giovanni 'Nino' Garofoli
Johnny Dorelli
Johnny Dorelli
Italian Industrialist
Anna Karina
Anna Karina
Elena
Paolo Turco
Paolo Turco
Gianni
Ugo D'Alessio
Ugo D'Alessio
Pietro
Tano Cimarosa
Tano Cimarosa
Gigi
Gianfranco Barra
Gianfranco Barra
The turk
Giorgio Cerioni
Giorgio Cerioni
Police Inspector
Francesco D'Adda
Francesco D'Adda
Rudiger
Umberto Raho
Umberto Raho
Jacques, the Maitre

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bread and Chocolate (1974) about?

The film tells the story of an Italian man who moves to Switzerland for a fresh start, but his optimism is tested as he endures a series of humiliating jobs just to get by. His determination to carve out a life in a foreign land becomes both inspiring and tragic.

Who directed Bread and Chocolate?

Franco Brusati, an Italian filmmaker known for his emotionally resonant stories about human resilience and societal challenges.

Who stars in Bread and Chocolate?

The film features Nino Manfredi, Johnny Dorelli, Anna Karina, Paolo Turco, and Ugo D'Alessio in key roles.

Is Bread and Chocolate (1974) worth watching?

With its blend of sharp comedy and poignant drama, *Bread and Chocolate* offers a unique take on immigration themes that feels as relevant today as it did in 1974. Manfredi's performance alone makes it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven cinema.

How long is Bread and Chocolate?

The film runs for 115 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.

About Bread and Chocolate (1974) — Italian Immigrant Struggles in Switzerland

Franco Brusati's heartfelt 1974 comedy-drama *Bread and Chocolate* follows Nino Manfredi as an Italian immigrant chasing a better life in Switzerland, only to find himself trapped in a cycle of demeaning, low-wage jobs that push his resilience to the limit. The film paints a bittersweet portrait of displacement, where the pursuit of dignity clashes with the harsh realities of cultural and economic barriers. With its sharp social commentary and undercurrent of melancholy, Brusati's direction balances humor and pathos, capturing the universal struggle of starting over in an unwelcoming world.

Manfredi's magnetic performance anchors this tale of hope and heartbreak, supported by a talented cast including Johnny Dorelli and Anna Karina, blending genres that defy easy classification while delivering a poignant, often laugh-out-loud experience.