The Principal Enemy
The Principal Enemy

Movie spotlight

The Principal Enemy

1974
Movie
92 min
Quechua

In the remote Andean highlands of Peru, a tight-knit indigenous peasant community has endured generations of brutal exploitation by local landowners. When a shocking act of violence exposes the complete failure of the official justice system to protect them, the villagers’ simmering anger pushes them toward a crossroads.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Giuliano MontaldoGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set during World War II in a German POW camp, this film follows the intertwined fates of Italian prisoners of war and their German captors. The story delves into the complex relationships, moral ambiguities, and struggles for survival that emerge in the harsh environment of the camp. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the dehumanizing effects of war on both sides.

Critical Reception

The film was met with a generally positive reception from critics, who praised its intense performances and its unflinching portrayal of the psychological toll of war. While not a commercial blockbuster, it has been recognized for its historical significance and artistic merit.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its powerful performances, particularly from Gian Maria Volonté.

  • Lauded for its realistic and harrowing depiction of life in a POW camp.

  • Noted for its exploration of complex moral and psychological themes amidst conflict.

Google audience: Audience reviews are limited, but those available often highlight the film's dramatic intensity and historical context.

Fun Fact

The film is also known internationally by the title 'A Man on the Run'.

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