Padre Padrone (1977)

This Italian movie directed by the Taviani Brothers was originally intended for television but then theatrically released and a Palme d'or winner at Cannes.  I think there is an unwritten rule that depressing movies shall win awards.  This one concerned a Sardinian boy pulled out of school by his bullying and overpowering father to spend the next god-knows-how-many years in isolation tending the family's sheep.  All attempts at escape or independence were met with violence.  I'll ignore the instances of bestiality!  Eventually he is allowed to join the army, gets the education he was previously denied, and writes a book telling of his early years with which many others identified.   However there was never a final reconciliation with his father who remained bitter and stubborn to the end.  (The title translates as Father, Master).  Not a film to watch when you need cheering up.