Roberto Rossellini's first landmark of the Italian neorealism movement, set during the Nazi occupation of Rome and following the stories...
Roberto Rossellini's first landmark of the Italian neorealism movement, set during the Nazi occupation of Rome and following the stories of a brave few who struggled against it. Shot on location immediately after the end of World War II and co-written by Federico Fellini.
"Follows engineer Giorgio (Marcello Pagliero) in his attempts to evade the Germans and the collaborating Italian authorities by seeking help from Pina (Anna Magnani), fiancée of a fellow member of the underground resistance, and Don Pietro (Aldo Fabrizi), the priest due to oversee her marriage. Giorgio is confident he’d never betray his comrades even if caught – but not everyone can be so strong...
"Basing their story partly on real people and events, Rossellini brought a vivid authenticity to their depiction of daily lives dominated by poverty, desperation and constant fear of betrayal and violence... Seamlessly blends sequences reminiscent of documentary with more conventional dramatic scenes notable for their pace, precise staging and affectingly naturalistic performances. Its emotional punch remains undiminished." (BFI)
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100 %47 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® rating
92 %6,307 reviewsAudience score rating
"The rawness of the movie give it an immediacy that still hits home."
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Total Film
Total Film"Much is devastating -- but Rossellini found room, too, for the humour and warmth of everyday life."
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Time Out
Time Out"The total effect of the picture is a sense of real experience, achieved as much by the performance as by the writing and direction."
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The New York Times
The New York Times"The visceral cinematography blends the grit of a documentary with the heart and soul of a drama (Fellini collaborated on the screenplay)."
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The Guardian
The Guardian"The torture and execution scenes are harrowing and moving."
—The Guardian
The Guardian"Sixty years on, it packs a punch."
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Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Morning Herald"Melodrama at its most justified with a great group of diverse and interesting characters and real sense of urgency."
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Empire Magazine
Empire MagazineRome, Open City | Details
- Rating
- M,
- Runtime
- 103
- Genre
- Drama, War
- Country of origin
- Italy
