Born to an anarchist father, Metello follows in his footsteps as a champion of liberty and social justice. When he is imprisoned after a strike action, he repeats the hollow promise his father made before him, to forget politics after he serves his term.

A look back into the heyday of the Italian anarchist movement and the origins of Italian socialism form the background to a human story relating the adolescence and manhood of a young Tuscan.

Mauro Bolognini has come as close as possible to filming a classic motion picture from a classic novel. Qualities of this big picture about little people extend beyond script and cast... Ennio Guarnieri's soft colour tones artfully capture the beauty of Florence and add to the mood of the film itself. Art work of Guido Josia is outstanding. With Metello, Bolognini makes a distinguished comeback after several weak entries.

Werb in Variety

Best Actress Award, Cannes 1970