Mino

The 1986 miniseries Mino tells a heartfelt and suspenseful story set against the chaos of World War I. At its center is Giacomino "Mino" Rasi, a young boy separated from his family after a devastating avalanche. Believed dead, he is taken in by a smuggler and his loyal Saint Bernard, only to be swept up again when war breaks out across the Italian Alps.

Episodes 1-3 are the most suspenseful, pulling viewers in with the avalanche disaster, Mino's rescue, and his struggle to survive in an unfamiliar world. These early chapters strike a perfect balance of tension, danger, and emotion, making them the strongest and most unforgettable part of the series.

As the war intensifies, Mino becomes a mascot for an Alpini battalion, donning a miniature uniform as the "Little Alpino." Along the way, he experiences the brutality of battle firsthand, including a harrowing scene in no-man's-land where enemy and ally alike momentarily put aside the conflict to save a trapped child. His journey also weaves back toward his parents - a father serving in the artillery and a mother broken by grief - keeping the emotional thread alive through the turmoil.

What makes the series stand out most is the remarkable performance of its young lead, Guido Cella. His natural, grounded acting gives Mino a depth and vulnerability that makes the character's journey both believable and moving. Combined with the sweeping Alpine setting and strong production, Mino becomes an underrated gem: suspenseful, emotional, and carried by a performance that lingers long after the final episode.