Rome, Open City
Rome, Open City

Movie spotlight

Rome, Open City

1945
Movie
104 min
Italian

During the Nazi occupation of 1944 Rome, Resistance leader Giorgio Manfredi is pursued by the Nazis as he seeks refuge and a means of escape.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Metacritic97
Google Users94%
Director: Roberto RosselliniGenres: War, Drama, History

Plot Summary

In German-occupied Rome during World War II, the Italian resistance movement desperately tries to smuggle vital information to the Allies. When a key resistance leader is killed, his fiancée and a principled priest become embroiled in the dangerous fight against the Nazi regime and its fascist collaborators. The film chronicles their courageous efforts and the brutal realities of life under occupation.

Critical Reception

Rome, Open City is widely hailed as a masterpiece of Italian Neorealism and a landmark film in cinema history. It received critical acclaim for its raw emotional power, authentic portrayal of wartime struggles, and groundbreaking use of real locations and non-professional actors. Its visceral depiction of resistance and sacrifice resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its status as a profoundly important work.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and urgent portrayal of resistance against Nazi occupation.

  • Praised for its neorealist aesthetic and emotional intensity.

  • Lauded as a foundational film of post-war cinema.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise 'Rome, Open City' for its profound emotional impact and its unflinching depiction of the human spirit during wartime. Many highlight its historical significance and its raw, authentic feel as key strengths, with a strong consensus that it's a deeply moving and important film.

Awards & Accolades

Cannes Grand Prix (1946), Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay (1947).

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Rome amidst the ruins and chaos of the final months of the German occupation, often using available light and makeshift equipment, contributing significantly to its authentic neorealist style.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

The fact that this was filmed in Rome at a time when you could probably still smell the fleeing Nazi's petrol fumes gives this an enthralling sense of authenticity. The story is centred around the character of "Manfredi" (Marcello Pagliero)...