In the autumn of 1944, in Northern Italy, the German soldiers resist to the advancement of American forces in an Italy divided in fascist soldiers, communist partisans supported by the civilians and thugs. An American platoon leaded by Sergeant Malone (John McVay) is assigned to deliver supplies to the front. Meanwhile, the German Lieutenant Gunther (Thomas Pohn) tries to keep the morale and discipline of his needy soldiers, and faces many other problems when the Italian troop leaded by the aristocratic Lieutenant Gianini (Fabio Sartor) joins his doomed troop. The thugs leaded by Rossini (Carmine Raspaolo) act like vultures, plundering the remains after the battles.
"The Fallen" is a different war movie that gives the big picture of the chaotic situation of Italy during the last days of the World War II, showing a country divided in civil war, with an unusual code of ethics between the Italian soldiers and the partisans. It is nice to have a humanistic view of the war through the three sides Italians, Germans and Americans- at the same time. The lack of discipline of the Italian soldiers breaks the tension and gives humor to this dramatic story. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Guerra Sangrenta" ("Bloody War")