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This film is a real treat. It depicts a loving, happy and slightly chaotic grand wartime household in Tuscany in 1944. The family is augmented by two orphaned children taken into care. Because life is seen from the child Penny's perspective, there are no really ugly scenes or characters, only the normal escapades and heartbreaks of a child growing up within the limited boundaries of house, school, forest and pool. That is, until the remnants of the retreating German army are billeted in the house, and fanatical eye of the SS officer uncovers the Jewish identity of the family. The shock of what follows is as searing as anything shown on screen, and confirms the terrible consequences of evil ideology.

Just discovered this, thanks to the glut of free DVDs being given away by the British press. At least 'The Independent' has taken some care with its selections and this film, I think, has been the best of all. It is an enchanting but then, tragic story which portrays some of the best and worst of human traits. The best is in the love, stoicism and courage of the family - the worst, not in the Germans per se but rather in the Nazis. A beautifully crafted film with good performances from the adults and wonderfully natural performances from the kids. It will make you laugh and cry and perhaps, even give you pause to wonder what you would do, if faced with such terrible dangers.

The film made the point that it was possible for a Jewish family to live in wartime Italy in the idyllic country scene,where children did childish things and lived a normal life.The family servants,the clergy and the local population knew who they were,and they were not persecuted.It was only when the retreating German Army came on the scene that the fate of the family was sealed.I understand the story is based on incidents in the Mazzetti family,and may be written as a novel,but I can understand why it was written and filmed the way it was.I found the film engaging and very moving.

a war film. different by others for the landscapes of Tuscany, for the events perceived by a child, for the spirit of family, for the pressure of a form of evil who impose tragic state of soul. it is one of films who explores the essence of small things, fear and insecurity with admirable grace and precision. and this does it special. like a confession. or way to define what it is real important . a war film. and more than a simple film.. for many and different motifs. so, see it !

touching, nice, profound, dark, fresh. childhood in war time. the theme is not new. and the traps are not rare. but this film is result of good and wise work. because the taste is different, the colors are perfect instrument for impressive sketch, the performance of little actors is seductive. the heart of childhood, the mixture of games, innocence and fear, the nuances of love, the Italian spirit, the last scenes - all are more than adaptation of real fact. it is not great but gentle. it is not exception but delicate sketch of a tragedy like a ferns in herbarium. discover of world and the shadow of death. all as special story of two sisters in the house of second family. in fact, a movie like a summer day. hot, sweet, bitter, profound, with brilliant sun and gloomy clouds. all in the skin of very cold rain.