Showing Fri 21 Mar to Thu 27 Mar
A landmark of Italian neorealism often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, Rossellini’s portrait of life under the Nazi Occupation remains remarkable for its sheer immediacy, tension and power. Made in extraordinarily straitened circumstances immediately after the liberation of Rome, the film follows engineer Giorgio (Marcello Pagliero) in his attempts to evade the Germans and the collaborating Italian authorities by seeking help from Pina (Anna Magnani), fiancée of a fellow member of the underground resistance, and Don Pietro (Aldo Fabrizi), the priest due to oversee her marriage. Giorgio is confident he’d never betray his comrades even if caught – but not everyone can be so strong… Basing their story partly on real people and events, Rossellini and co-writers Sergio Amidei and Federico Fellini brought a vivid authenticity to their depiction of daily lives dominated by poverty, desperation and constant fear of betrayal and violence. Shot both on the ravaged streets and in the studio, the film seamlessly blends sequences reminiscent of documentary with more conventional dramatic scenes notable for their pace, precise staging and affectingly naturalistic performances. Its emotional punch remains undiminished. (Geoff Andrew, BFI)
Roberto Rossellini Italy 1945
DCP 103 minutes
Rated 12A – Contains moderate violence
Cast: Aldo Fabrizi, Anna Magnani, Marcello Pagliero, Maria Michi, Vito Annichiarico.
Italian and German with English subtitles
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