Summary
Highlights
Ilie Moromete wakes from a vivid dream about a white piglet being strangled, leading to an early start for the family. The household is bustling with various chores, including milking sheep and preparing for the day. There's a playful yet strained atmosphere as family members tease and argue, particularly involving Bisisica the sheep and the young Niculae. Discussions about daily tasks, family members' responsibilities, and upcoming harvests fill the morning.
Amidst financial worries, Moromete makes the difficult decision to cut down an acacia tree to sell for money. A neighbor laments the tree's felling, questioning the extent of Moromete's financial troubles. The act symbolically represents the family's struggles and Moromete's pragmatism in dealing with looming debts and taxes. The scene also introduces Victor, a young man with a distinct perspective on life and an aversion to alcohol.
Villagers gather, engaging in lively discussions about politics, land, and current events, often centered around Moromete's readings from the newspaper. Debates ensue about government policies, the role of specialists versus homesteaders, and the state of emergency. Tugurlan, a landless villager, challenges the landowners' perspectives, leading to heated arguments. Moromete's casual yet insightful commentary often steers the conversations.
The tax collector arrives, demanding payment for overdue land taxes. Moromete attempts to postpone payment, citing his son Achim's impending return with money from sheep sold in Bucharest. Despite his pleas and attempts to negotiate, the collector is firm, threatening to seize their property. Moromete's protracted refusal to pay taxes, spanning 17 years, exasperates the official.
Achim prepares to leave for Bucharest with the family's sheep, a venture hoped to bring much-needed income. Moromete offers advice and instructions, while Catrina expresses her worries and requests. The departure is laden with hope for financial relief but also underlying anxieties about the future and the family's changing fortunes. The scene portrays the family's reliance on their children's endeavors.
News arrives that Achim has established himself in Bucharest, appearing affluent, which surprises and somewhat concerns Moromete. Meanwhile, Niculae expresses his strong desire to continue schooling, despite his father's skepticism and the family's financial strain. Catrina, Niculae's mother, wholeheartedly supports his academic ambitions, leading to a conflict with Paraschiv and a renewed struggle to pay for Niculae's education.
The tax collector returns, and despite Moromete's further attempts to stall, his possessions are confiscated to settle the debts. This event coincides with growing tensions between Moromete and his elder sons, Paraschiv and Nila, who feel undervalued and exploited. A violent argument erupts between them, revealing deep-seated resentments and their ultimate decision to abandon the family and seek their own fortunes.
With Paraschiv and Nila ultimately leaving, taking the horses, Moromete is left with difficult choices. He decides to sell a plot of land to ensure Niculae can continue his schooling. The film ends with Moromete and Niculae on a cart, heading towards a new, uncertain path, symbolizing the end of an era for the Moromete family and the beginning of Niculae's individual journey.