Rome, Open City (1945)

During the Nazi occupation of Rome in 1944, the Resistance leader, Giorgio Manfredi, is chased by the Nazis as he seeks refuge and a way to escape.

Director:

Roberto Rossellini

Writers:

Sergio Amidei (screenplay) (as A. Amidei), Federico Fellini (collaboration on screenplay) (as F. Fellini)

Stars:

Anna Magnani, Aldo Fabrizi, Marcello Pagliero

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Aldo Fabrizi	...	Don Pietro Pellegrini
Anna Magnani	...	Pina
Marcello Pagliero	...	Giorgio Manfredi aka Luigi Ferraris
Vito Annichiarico	...	Piccolo Marcello
Nando Bruno	...	Agostino the Sexton
Harry Feist	...	Major Bergmann
Giovanna Galletti	...	Ingrid
Francesco Grandjacquet	...	Francesco
Eduardo Passarelli	...	Neighborhood Police Sergeant (as Passarelli)
Maria Michi	...	Marina Mari
Carla Rovere	...	Lauretta
Carlo Sindici	...	Police Commissioner
Joop van Hulzen	...	Captain Hartmann (as Van Hulzen)
Ákos Tolnay	...	Austrian Deserter (as A. Tolnay)

Storyline

The location: Nazi occupied Rome. As Rome is classified an open city, most Romans can wander the streets without fear of the city being bombed or them being killed in the process. But life for Romans is still difficult with the Nazi occupation as there is a curfew, basic foods are rationed, and the Nazis are still searching for those working for the resistance and will go to any length to quash those in the resistance and anyone providing them with assistance. War worn widowed mother Pina is about to get married to her next door neighbor Francesco. Despite their situation - Pina being pregnant, and Francesco being an atheist - Pina and Francesco will be wed by Catholic priest Don Pietro Pelligrini. The day before the wedding, Francesco's friend, Giorgio Manfredi, who Pina has never met, comes looking for Francesco as he, working for the resistance, needs a place to hide out. For his latest mission, Giorgio also requests the assistance of Don Pietro, who is more than willing as he sees...

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Plot Keywords:

world war two in italy | nazi | priest | nazi occupation | curfew | 

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Taglines:

Rossellini's Great Film of Our Time

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller | War

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian German Latin

Release Date:

8 October 1945 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Rome, Open City

Filming Locations:

Via Casilina, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$16,712

Company Credits

Production Co:

Excelsa Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Finnish censorship visa register # 043399.

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Quotes

Pina: It's been two years now. How long ago that seems now. And how things have changed, though we were already at war then.
Francesco: Everyone foolishly thought it would be over quickly and that we'd only see it on newsreels.
Pina: When is it going to end? Sometimes I just can't go on. This winter feels like it will never end.
Francesco: It will end, Pina, and spring will come again, more beautiful than ever, because we'll be free. We have to believe it and want it.

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Connections

Featured in Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words (2015)

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Soundtracks

Mallinata Fiorentina
Composed by Giovanni D'Anzi
Lyrics by Michele Galdieri (as Galdieri)
(1941)

User Reviews

Rossellini's Timeless Neo-Realist Classic

Rosselini shot 'Roma Città Aperta' in the open streets post-war. His film-making resources were limited, as is apparent in the film, since he uses natural lighting, non-professional actors and a delicate sound system) but it only gives the film a stark and more authentic look making the atmosphere more terrifying and a the experience more real. Most of the 'props' and 'sets' and even many of the Nazi soldiers were real. Unlike many historical films, this one does right by the historical facts (even though it's a work of fiction).

What is most outstanding is Rosselini's compelling storytelling. Instead of showing us a documentary account (due to lack of film-equipments) he gives us a moving story of resistance. I was also impressed by the subtle way he brought out the characters such as the homosexuality of the Nazis. He also extracts marvelous performances from his actors. Aldo Fabrizi and Anna Magnani stand out. The background score (though used minimally) adds some melodrama but not in a poor way.

If one can look beyond the poor technology of the film, 'Roma Città Aperta' is one of the most powerful films of its genre. Though the film may depress, and at some point horrify the viewer, the ending is profound and hopeful. In the end, it's a story about fear, courage, integrity and hope.