Storyline

In Northern Italy, WWI has turned into a bloody stalemate. Bogged down in their trenches on a barren highland, the men of an Italian infantry division have been given one objective: retake a commanding height from the enemy. Unfortunately, the tactical ingenuity of general Leone, the unpopular division commander, consists of supplementing frontal attacks against machine-guns with medieval fighting schemes. His dispirited troops must be prodded with ever harsher measures into storming the Austrian positions. As casualties mount, indignation spreads amongst the rank and file. Disturbed by the decisions of his superiors, lieutenant Sassu is progressively led to question the purpose of the war and to reconsider where his real duties lie.—Eduardo Casais

Plot Keywords

carabinieri, coercion, dead soldier, stupidity, italian soldier, trench warfare, military officer, death penalty, court martial, gunfire, discipline, military police, fear of death, dying young, infantry, comrade, automatic weapon, military uniform, world war one, private

Short Review

There have been many good movies made about the Great War, and this is one of them. We feel the carnage, the brutality, and especially the lunacy of mass attacks on fortified lines. We also see and feel several personal stories of the protagonists. But the movie is fundamentally political, and reflects a 70's sensibility, focused on the rebellions and desertions of the soldiers faced with the horrific casualties and absurd leadership. To Francesco Rosi's credit he portrays these themes in vivid, realistic and humane terms. We leave the movie hating the war, the leadership, the absurdity, the waste, and feeling deeply the fate of the main characters.

Trailer

Streaming Service

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