"A good neorealist film depicting the dramatic events of the Italian Civil War triggered by the armistice of September 8, 1943, and the partisan struggle against the new German occupying enemy.
The movie features a strong cast of actors who deliver professional performances in their respective roles, resulting in a highly believable outcome. Good cinematography, along with well-structured narrative and dialogue, make this a film of commendable storytelling finesse.
In the film, the protagonists are portrayed as they truly are-ordinary people who, in a unique situation, act courageously, devoid of heroics or war glorification. It is a film that narrates, without propagandizing, the poignant experiences of the common folk during a tumultuous historical moment. In spite of the overall positive cinematic outcome, the film does not reach a higher level, much less can it be considered among the masterpieces of the genre. However, deep down, I don't think it was one of the production's aspirations either.
