Based on real people and real events, filmed within months of Rome’s liberation as WWII was coming to an end, capturing on film the ruin of the city in a rough but electrifying style, Roberto Rosselini’s Rome, Open City brought Italian Neorealism to the attention of the world. Tense, passionate and naturalistic, the film uses its documentary style to melodramatic effect bringing us the story of individuals connected to the Italian resistance as they attempt to outmaneuver the Gestapo and survive the war. Rossellini, being one of the most ‘Catholic’ of filmmakers, creates a masterpiece that invites all who encounter it in a “thrilling call to conscience and hope” (Kristin Jones, Wall Street Journal).
Pope Francis cites it as one of his favourite films, and after watching it, we trust you will applaud his choice.
IN THIS POST
*The Choice To Live Well in Rome Open City by Benard Chedid
*A Reflection on Don Pietro by Pablo Vila
Warning: The reflections below contain spoilers. The aim is to share these insights with all who are inspired to watch these films and help to draw out even more from the experience. So watch the films first and read the reflections afterwards…
The Choice To Live Well in Rome Open City by Benard Chedid
Rome Open City is a movie made in the shadow of World War II with the Nazis still occupying parts of Italy when the film was released. In one sense, it can be classified as a very topical film as it addresses the issues of the day; war fatigue, destruction, loss, death, betrayal. However, it is more accurate to highlight the timelessness of the film as the issues addressed are just as relevant 70 years later because, unfortunately, they will forever be part of the human experience.
The movie is divided into two parts, the first part being light and at times comical, while in the second part, the tone shifts dramatically and it becomes darker and conflicted. This, I believe is representative of humanity; we are living lives full of laughter and sadness, drama and joy, where it is not hard to die well but it is hard to live well. We cannot change what it means to be human and the misery and joy that will accompany us throughout our life journeys, but we can decide on how we will approach life and our fellow human beings. We can choose whether we will stand in solidarity with them, even if it means torture and death, or if we will prefer the more self-interested approach to life that allows us to live in comfort and ease but at the expense of a clear conscience.
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A Reflection on Don Pietro by Pablo Vila
Rome Open City felt as though it was divided into a series of acts, and in the first set we are lulled into the sense that the occupation of Rome by the Nazis is a difficult albeit palatable existence, where the occupied people face hardship and humiliation by the oppressors on a daily basis, but behind the safety of closed doors they can continue to be their Italian selves as they always were: passionate, gregarious and closely supportive of each other’s situation. We see children playing and getting up to mischief, a wedding being planned, a slightly bumbling priest who is on the periphery but doing his best to ensure all in his care are at ease. Play by the rules, keep to the curfew, look out for yourself and survive from day to day.
To Read the Full Reflection, Click Here
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Other Links:
The "Recordatio" Cinema Club 