Salvo D'Acquisto

Excellent film that narrates the tragic event of the sacrifice of a Carabiniere to prevent the execution of 23 Italian hostages in retaliation for a supposed, but nonexistent, attack against the occupying German forces in that difficult historical moment of World War II in Italy immediately after the signing of the armistice on September 8th.

The film has a good storyline and moments of evocative lyricism, albeit marred by some cinematic stylistic elements typical of the era, such as excessive use of zoom and other minor technicalities, as well as occasionally ill-characterized costumes.

Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly a good production with decent cinematography and music that complements it well. The main actors are quite believable in their roles, while the secondary ones, mostly simple extras with very small parts, lack a certain professionalism but are directed to the best of their abilities.

The film's setting is very evocative, with well-chosen locations that are narratively well-utilized.

I don't want to compare Salvo D'Acquisto as a modern-day savior, but that's the only way I can describe this movie. Legendary pop singer Massimo Ranieri gives a STELLAR performance as the title character, Salvo D'Acquisto, a young Italian Carabinieri police officer, who sacrificed his very young life to save the lives of 22 men in a Nazi concentration camp. Isa Danieli was equally impressive as Martina. The setting takes place during World War II. After a couple of Nazi soldiers are accidentally killed by a bomb, the Nazis are about to vengefully execute the 22 Italian men being held captive in a beach side concentration camp. Salvo decides to make the ultimate sacrifice, by telling the German soldiers that he is responsible for the bombing, although he and a Nazi soldier both know his innocence. For me the most powerful part of the movie is the last 10 minutes of the film. It's a shame that I can't seem to find this movie anywhere on DVD. I have seen and heard Ranieri's singing abilities online and it's very good. However, I honestly feel that his acting is extremely extraordinary. I wish I could find ANY of his films on DVD.

Generally movie like this celebrating national heroes are rhetorical. Some others are also supporting some political or historic view. This simple, intelligent movie is just perfect. It is based on a well-documented history and proceeds without celebrating anything but the sacrifice of Salvo D'Acquisto. His story is the perfect evidence of those hard times between 1943 and 1945 in Italy. Catholic Church recognized his sacrifice by beatification of Salvo. Italian Republic gave him Gold medal in memory. I recommend it not only to people interested on Italian history but also to whom is searching true testimony about WWII effects in Europe.

I give 7 (out of 10).