The movie deals with a love story rises above the tides of battle , as it concerns about a marriage (Anthony Quinn and Virna Lisi) and their children living in a Romanian village . Johann Moritz/Quinn is framed as Jewish by the constable (Gregorie Aslan) and he's punished to go to the concentration camps until he is deemed as Arian race and due to an error , he's drafted into the German army as a ¨SS¨ soldier . As the countryman is enlisted , but he fights against both sides in the war to get back to the woman who was in his dreams and always beyond his reach .
The picture is based on real events , thus the collaboration of Romania and Hungary Government with the Nazis , the encroachment of Romania by Stalin's Russian troops and other happenings . Anthony Quinn interpretation is satisfying although overblown , he plays with lots of gesticulation , Virna Lisi is more appropriated . Supporting cast is outstanding : Serge Reggniani , Robert Beatty , Marcel Dalio , Alexander Knox , Marius Goring and special mention to Gregorie Aslan as the nasty constable . Furthermore , the great Michael Redgrave , despite being billed fourth in the main titles he only has one scene. The runtime of the picture is approx. two hours , though is neither boring nor tiring but entertaining .
Henry Verneuil's direction is acceptable and the musical score by George Delerue is spellbound . Colorful and evocative cinematography by Andreas Winding . Flick will appeal to historical event enthusiasts and Second World War world buffs . Rating: 6,5/10 , well worth watching
The picture is based on real events , thus the collaboration of Romania and Hungary Government with the Nazis , the encroachment of Romania by Stalin's Russian troops and other happenings . Anthony Quinn interpretation is satisfying although overblown , he plays with lots of gesticulation , Virna Lisi is more appropriated . Supporting cast is outstanding : Serge Reggniani , Robert Beatty , Marcel Dalio , Alexander Knox , Marius Goring and special mention to Gregorie Aslan as the nasty constable . Furthermore , the great Michael Redgrave , despite being billed fourth in the main titles he only has one scene. The runtime of the picture is approx. two hours , though is neither boring nor tiring but entertaining .
Henry Verneuil's direction is acceptable and the musical score by George Delerue is spellbound . Colorful and evocative cinematography by Andreas Winding . Flick will appeal to historical event enthusiasts and Second World War world buffs . Rating: 6,5/10 , well worth watching