Although it has its faults, as described in the review above, it is also a complex, intelligent document of the war. With Rome as a symbolic backdrop, three POWs arrive into the safe, but reluctant arms of a smuggler, and hide during an unspecified time just before the Allies reach the City.
All of the characters speak in their own tongue, which is the complicated part, but it is not without its sense of authenticity in the circumstances. But even with these language and cultural barriers, the main characters create several dynamic exchanges.
The pace is slow; the color bleak; the dialog often abbreviated; the relationships in doubt; yet, ultimately, we come to understand the forest of emotion we all experience during crisis, and war is among the most severe of crises.
The Italian female lead is engaging and the British Major congenial. The Italians are splendid as both collaborator and rescuer. The Germans play a less significant role, but they remain the fodder for how choices are made of who will live or die, even as the war draws near to the end.
The last 20 minutes are spellbinding as those choices are crystallized and strengthened by honesty, integrity and treachery.
All of the characters speak in their own tongue, which is the complicated part, but it is not without its sense of authenticity in the circumstances. But even with these language and cultural barriers, the main characters create several dynamic exchanges.
The pace is slow; the color bleak; the dialog often abbreviated; the relationships in doubt; yet, ultimately, we come to understand the forest of emotion we all experience during crisis, and war is among the most severe of crises.
The Italian female lead is engaging and the British Major congenial. The Italians are splendid as both collaborator and rescuer. The Germans play a less significant role, but they remain the fodder for how choices are made of who will live or die, even as the war draws near to the end.
The last 20 minutes are spellbinding as those choices are crystallized and strengthened by honesty, integrity and treachery.