Movie spotlight
War Italian Style
It's May 1943, and two Italian American soldiers, Joe and Frank, are searching the North African desert for a Nazi general called Von Kassler. Von Kassler's aide captures them, and arranges for them to escape with fake war plans. But, things don't go exactly as planned for either side.
Insights
Plot Summary
During World War II, two scheming Italian soldiers, now prisoners of the British in North Africa, attempt to profit from the war by selling war bonds and then staging a fake German invasion. Their elaborate scheme involves befriending a naive British officer and attempting to maintain their charade, leading to increasingly absurd and dangerous situations.
Critical Reception
War Italian Style is a highly regarded Italian comedy, lauded for its sharp satire and the impeccable comedic timing of its leads, Alberto Sordi and Vittorio Gassman. It is considered a classic of its genre, effectively blending humor with a critical look at the absurdities of war and human opportunism.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its witty satire on war and opportunism.
Lauded for the brilliant performances of Sordi and Gassman.
A classic example of Italian comedic filmmaking.
Google audience: Audience reception data is not readily available from Google Reviews for this older Italian film.
Fun Fact
The film was a significant commercial success in Italy and is often cited as one of the best works of both Mario Monicelli and its leading actors.
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