March on Rome
March on Rome

Movie spotlight

March on Rome

1962
Movie
94 min
Italian

March on Rome (Italian: La marcia su Roma) is a 1962 comedy film by Dino Risi with Vittorio Gassman and Ugo Tognazzi, aimed at describing the March on Rome of Benito Mussolini's black shirts from the point of view of two newly recruited, naïve black shirts

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Dino RisiGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

The film follows the journey of two unemployed men in the early 1920s who decide to join the Fascist movement, hoping to secure a better future. As they travel towards Rome to participate in Mussolini's infamous March, their individual motivations and moral compromises are put to the test. Their experiences reveal the allure and corruption within the burgeoning Fascist party, highlighting the personal choices made in the face of political upheaval.

Critical Reception

March on Rome is a critically acclaimed satirical comedy that offers a biting commentary on the rise of Fascism in Italy. It is praised for its sharp wit, excellent performances, and its ability to blend humor with a serious examination of historical events and human susceptibility to demagoguery.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sophisticated satire on political opportunism.

  • Vittorio Gassman and Ugo Tognazzi deliver compelling performances.

  • A thought-provoking look at the personal choices that fueled Fascism.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available, but critical reviews consistently highlight the film's intelligent humor and its effective critique of political manipulation.

Fun Fact

The film's satirical approach to the March on Rome was controversial at the time of its release, offering a critical perspective on a pivotal moment in Italian history that was often portrayed with less nuance.

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