
“They fought by the rule book... and died by the thousands!”
Time after time, soldiers of the Italian Army are forced to leave their mountain trenches in attempts to storm an enemy fortress, always with the same disastrous results. As casualties mount, indignation spreads among the rank and file. Disturbed by his superiors' decisions, Lieutenant Sassu is led to question the purpose of war and reconsider where his real duties lie.
Release Date: 9/17/1970
Runtime: 101 minutes
Languages: Italian
Director: Francesco Rosi
00Companies: Jadran Film, Prima Cinematografica
Countries: Italy, Yugoslavia
Nutshell
A truly compelling anti-war film from Italy, which echoes Kubrick's earlier masterpiece Paths of Glory. Excellent performances and camera work communicate the message well: war is the most insane kind of hell indeed...

Mark Frechette
Lt. Sassu

Alain Cuny
Gen. Leone

Gian Maria Volonté
Lt. Ottolenghi

Giampiero Albertini
Capt. Abbati

Pier Paolo Capponi
Lt. Santini

Franco Graziosi
Maj. Malchiodi

Mario Feliciani
Colonel Doctor

Alberto Mastino
Soldier Marrasi
Brunetto Del Vita
Col. Stringari

Nino Vingelli
Wounded Soldier from Naples
Zdravko Smojver
Sergeant
Antonio Pavan
Lt. Pavan
1986

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