Also know as The Night of the Shooting Stars in some cases, this Italian film I found in the book of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die was one had knew nothing about in terms of the concept, but I was very much looking forward to crack into. Basically, set during the end of World War II, 1944 in Italy it seems that defeat is certain for the Germans invading the country, they may be retreating but have left a path of destruction behind them, and there is rumour that they plan to bomb several buildings in small town. The villagers of this town are told that they should gather in the church, while half listen to this and trust the safety of the church with this threat is coming, the other half of the people dress in dark clothing and leave to seek the Americans who are rumoured to be near and liberating towns that they come to. Of course on the journey to find salvation the villagers cannot escape the pain, exhaustion and of course potential threat of incoming attacks around them, but they all stay close together to get through this and find the Americans and whatever hope for the future. Starring Paolo Hendel as Dilvo, Omero Antonutti as Galvano, Margarita Lozano as Concetta, Claudio Bigagli as Corrado, Massimo Bonetti as Nicola, Norma Martelli as Ivana, Enrica Maria Modugno as Mara, Sabina Vannucchi as Rosanna, Dario Cantarelli as Priest, Sergi Dagliana as Olinto and Giuseppe Furia as Requiem. I admit that on occasion this was a little hard to follow, but I understand the story well enough, there were some interesting moments of surrealism and humanity, the feeling of unity is good and obviously the fear of war is terrific, all in all it is a worthwhile Second World War drama. Very good!
Review of The Night of the Shooting Stars
