Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mr grits (A) on December 31, 2005 at 21:07:19

Italy takes "Das Boot" to the North African desert. We are treated to a slow, deliberately paced film that shows the utter futility of the desert war experienced by Italian troops. Low on ammo, barely able to get tainted water, rations not readily available everyday, and often accurate British artillery and snipers. Not an uplifting scenario as experienced by a fresh private from the homeland. He falls in among troops who have not been home in two years and soon spends his "miracles" in several close-calls. The units men and officers are protrayed as loyal, willing, and sensible men--not the "run-at-first-shot" guys they have always been stereotyped as.

The cinematography is excellent, acting beyond credible, the soundtrack very apt, and the overall production quality is "major
studio". The opening credits proclaim that the Italian Ministry of Culture helped to finance the film as its story is important.

This is great history buff film and adds the Italian "war is bad" perspective to the long line of such works.

Shylock I ain't.