Different versions question.

Brilliant film.

I've only seen theatrical version(123min) and I have a question about other versions because of something I've read on this board.

Is it possible that different cuts can be so different story wise?
It completely changes the whole story and the film itself.

For example, until I visited this board and read some things about DC, I always thought that grey haired woman at the end was Toto's sister because she looked too young to be Alfredo's wife?

Also about that line his wife tells Toto, something like: "He told your mother not to let you know."
In the version I watched, it could be interpreted in many ways but never like he was responsible for Toto and Elena's break up. There's nothing in the movie that implies that.
In this "longer version" it would completely change the character of Alfredo, making him villain-like character instead of caring father figure giving Toto deep life lessons.

For example, before I read here what DC version implies, I always interpreted that line as: Alfredo told Toto's mother not to tell Toto when he dies. So that Toto doesn't come to his funereal to not be tempted to come back to the village.

I guess I will have to watch DC now and form new opinion but what I've read on this board about it, I don't think I will like it as much as I liked short version.