Terre rosse (2008) - full transcript
Excuse me, has the train
to Thiene left yet?
There aren't
any trains today.
The line's been sabotaged
So what should I do now?
I'm walking, 'if you'd like
to join me
But how far is it to Thiene?
20, or maybe 25 kilometers.
What?! No thanks. I'll find
another way.
As you wish. Good luck!
Excuse me, could you wait for me please?
I can't go on - I'm so thirsty.
There's a place further on.
Shall we stop?
Yes!
No trains again, eh?
Cheer yourselves up with
this good stuff!
Ifs home made.
And it's also suitable for well
brought-up young ladies.
No, no thank you. I'd just like
a glass of cold water.
Water?
Drink a good glass of this
it'll help you to forget your
troubles these days
Please don't remind me about them!
I'll bring it to you right away.
But you don't know what
you're missing.
Here you are.
But this
we only put this in the
fascists' wine
All we need now is an
anti-fascist landlord!
However, he doesn't turn his nose
up at the fascists' money.
If I had a bar
I think I'd only serve the people I like.
And how would you decide if they were nice?
- I don't know...
I know! From their faces!
You'd judge them by
their clothes!
Sorry, no!
You'd judge them by
their education.
Amorch'a nullo amato
amar perdona!
Please!
O no, it's so late. I must go...
to Thiene otherwise
there'll be no one there.
Don't worry, we'll find a way
Shall we go?
I'm sorry but the railway
line was sabotaged
and so I came on foot as far
as Thiene and then...
Calm down, calm down
Come in.
I'm the new teacher
The important thing is that
you're here safe and sound.
Let me introduce you
to my husband
Welcome...
Luisa, Luisa De Nardi
- I'll take your suitcase
- Thank you
Come with me
- I'll make you something to eat.
- Please don't worry about that!
- It'll do you good
- Thank you
- Here's the little we have
- it's perfect!
You said that you got
to Thiene on foot
And then?
And then...
then I got a lift from the
chauffeur of the Ministry
Of the Ministry?
Yes
On the way here I
met a man
A very nice man
He works for the Ministry
so he offered to bring me here
You were lucky
But why have you moved
here from Verona?
And at this time?
Because I need the credits
even if it means being a
long way from home
However, I've always been used
to looking after myself.
Good!
Listen Luisa, this school
is small but decent
we are used to giving the children
everything they need
I can't wait to start
Wait til you meet the
little pests!
Shh. Be quiet! Go back
to your place!
Is that the right way to welcome
the new teacher?
As a punishment, write
'I am an ass' 50 times
I'm looking for Mr. Simonetti.
Where is he?
- At the end of the corridor on the left
- Thank you
Come in...
There's a certain Miss de Nardi for you, sir
What a surprise!
Ehm, I...
I came to thank you
Never mind. It wasn't
necessary
Last time you were
so very nice, so...
Really, it was a pleasure.
Please sit down
Thank you
- Oh no! I'm a disaster
- Don't worry
it's my fault... I've been meaning
to tidy up the office all week
Do you write records?
Yes, every day
Do you want to know how
many pigs there are in Thiene?
- No thanks!
- Here's the animal register!
I can do better than that
Would you like to know how many
donkeys there are in the province?
Here's the register!
No, look I see donkeys every day
I get the impression you'd be ready
to pack your bags immediately
Do you regret coming here?
Me? no way!
You see I love
challenges
And I'm really tough
You'll see the little pests
will turn into little angels
Excuse me
Hello
Yes, yes.
Thank you. Goodbye
I think it's time I went
Shall I get my chauffeur
to take you?
No thanks. Once was enough
And I've got my bicycle
Anyway, what's the weather like?
It looks like a nice day,
doesn't it?
Yes, it is
Okay, I'll come with you, if
that's all right with you
it's fine, but I wouldn't
want to interrupt you
I have to count chickens all afternoon.
Have pity on me!
Pardon?
Your papers
Yes, of course
They're here in my bag
But where did I put them?
They must be here
Maybe I left them at home
Keine Papieren, no papers?
No, no papers
Not good! Not good!
Please, I'm a teacher and
I live here at Fara
I teach children. Children!
Please would you let me go?
London calling, transmitting
some special messages
"Felix isn't felicitous"
Marcellina, you must get
rid of this radio
it's amazing we have it without
the fascists discovering it
Imagine what they'd do to
me if they found it
Olga's here
- Hi, guys!
- Hi Olga
- At last, a bit of news
- And also a bit of tobacco!
Well done, Olga!
Go easy with that!
Tell us about Antonia.
How did they catch her?
There was a round-up after
the attack on the railway
- Germans?
- Yes
They'll be taking her to the prison
in Thiene tomorrow evening
together with an escaped
prisoner of war
- who?
- I just know the name: Vassilij
Must be a Russian deserter
A Russian that's the last thing we need!
What'll we do with him?
We'll snatch Antonia and him before
they can put him up against the wall
Hey guys, what are
you looking at?
It's a map of the streets
leading to the prison
...with the Germans' route
Fantastic!
Remember, we hold the lives
of two prisoners in our hands
So don't fuck it up!
After the action, we'll separate.
Bill'll look after Antonia
Obviously, you'll cover the escape
I'll take care of the Russian
The Nazi Prison, Thiene
What are you doing here in my
home, eh? What's your name?
Luisa, my name's Luisa
Give me a hand. Hell! Don't just
stand there watching.
Serse!
We freed him with Antonia
We need to stop the bleeding.
Go and get some bandages
Gently, gently
I don't know. He speaks Russian
He escaped from a prisoner of war camp
and ended up in the hands of the Germans
And her?
Shes my assistant in the school
She's trustworthy!
Good
I'll leave him with you for
a few days, Mum
And you?
I'm going back to the others
Hello
Hows the wounded man?
Fine from his appetite
This is my sister
She died under internment
of starvation
And these are Mario and Vittorio
They were my pupils
They were found
strung up from a tree
Killed by the Germans
I don't know what
you think Luisa
but here we decided to make a
stand against these atrocities
Even if we have to use arms
Well done Umbe', but you've
become more expensive
once upon a time you'd play two numbers
per packet, now you just play one
Didn't they tell you that art
doesn't come cheap, Antonio?
And you know that I could
die for these
And honestly...
Yours are the best
I've meta girl!
She's beautiful
She's a teacher at Farneda
Farneda?
Umbe', that's in the
Red Lands
That's a dangerous place,
you know, full of bandits
I'll take a risk for
that girl
You're joking but ifs
no laughing matter!
Don't you see that this war's
turning everyone into animals
it's fratricide. Those guys in
the mountains were ours
They fought in Greece, in Albania and now
what are they doing, Umbe? What?
They're blowing us up or we're
putting them up against a wall
That's their choice
they became rebels
They betrayed their allies
Why HOW?
At least you swore an oath.
You respect the uniform you wear.
My uniform? I'm only interested
in the end of the war
Hi!
As you can see, I've
kept my promise.
I'm really pleased
to see you
so this is the famous
school of Farneda?
Why don't we go for a walk?
Yes, great idea
But make me a promise
That I can call you Luisa from now on
Okay
it's raining
it's jasmine
Your perfume
The garden of my house in
Rome was full of jasmine
How did you end up here?
I followed the Ministry
After 8th September,
me here...
...my parents in Lombardy
Promise me that you'll
wear this again
Promise me that you'll wear
this perfume again!
Christ!
They're guns!
We must go to the police.
Immediately!
Why?
Let it go Umberto
Let it go?
Luisa, they're guns
I know they're guns, but...
If you go to the police
the poor farmers
who live here'll suffer
the Germans'll come and
they'll burn the houses
Leave it!
Okay, Okay
We'll do as you say
it's stopped raining
I don't want to stay
here anymore!
Please, let's go
That little teacher owes
us an explanation
Come on, Bill!
Lads!
We're going down there
- News?
- Silva's coming!
Really? He'll be able to give you
the latest radio messages
By the way, tell him to say
hi to Marcellina for me
That woman deserves to be made a
saint for everything she does for us
Dei primi fanti il 24 maggio!
L'esercito marciava per raggiungere
la frontiera
Per far contro il nemico una barriera
Hi Mum
Serse, you shouldn't come
here in daylight. it's dangerous
Oh Mum, don't worry.
And also Bill's outside
- Is there anything to eat?
- I must have some polenta!
Better than nothing
Where's Dad?
Here
Mum
You said I could trust your assistant
teacher, didn't you?
Luisa?
We've seen her with
someone we don't like
Bill says that he works
at the Ministry
With the fascists!
He's an official, some kind
of paper-pusher
Yes, but even if he's a paper-pusher,
I don't like this relationship
Why are you so suspicious?
Shes a sweet girl. Trust her
Hello
Hello
You're Luisa, the teacher who helps
my mother at school, aren't you?
You know mum...
I'm glad that you respect her
its difficult to trust
anyone these days
Fortunately, no-one here
hangs out with fascists
Do they?
See you soon
There are Germans after the bridge
I came from there
Shit! A German
Salute the officer
Yes, salute him
Hello!
He didn't realise, did he?
He'll come back with the SS
So better get out
of here then?
But if they come back and don't
find us they'll take it out on the villagers
So what do you want to do?
Let's take him out, Bill. That'll
wipe out any doubts
Leave it Bill. I'll
sort him out
I'll empty a magazine into him
Or two. What do you think?
Yes, two's better
Where shall I hit him, Bill?
A few shots, but good ones,
so his friends won't come
If you don't do it now,
he'll be too far away
Yes, yes, okay
Only in the back like this
He'd do it, wouldn't he?
How the hell do I know, Bill.
That isn't the point
He's gone
Shit!
He only asked for a cigarette Bill
And we were about to kill him like a dog
What are we turning into?
What are we turning into, Bill?
I can see that you're better
Good, good!
I'd love to know what
you're thinking about
Maybe you've got a family
Who you miss
Good!
You don't understand
me, do you?
Well, If it's any consolation,
I don't understand myself either
I don't know... sometimes I think...
...That I want to complicate my life
I even did when I was a child
We had a cantankerous neighbour
who my mother hated
And I fell in love with his son
We used to meet in secret at school.
A clandestine romance at 8 years old
after twenty years things
haven't changed much
I'm in love with a man who works with
the fascists and I live with antifascists.
I don't know
I don't know where this
relationship'll take me
But, Vassilij, I know that I want
to live it to the full
Are they your children?
You'll see them again,
Vassilij,
I'm sure you'll see them again
A beautiful girl's
coming this way
Antonio, this is Luisa
Pleased to meet you
Umbertds told me
a lot about you
and I have to say he
hasn't exaggerated
- So, why don't we celebrate now?
- I really must go
- But you've just got here
- Please, Umberto, I can't
Come on, don't be shy
- So, Rosolio for everyone
- And for you Luisa?
- No thanks, not for me
- But a bit of rosolio won't hurt you
Waitress, rosolio for
three please!
I'm sorry
Luisa!
Luisa!
What's the matter with you?
There was too much
smoke in there
- And I felt suffocated
- but what must Antonio be thinking?
Why don't you go back to him?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, perhaps
I'm just a bit tired
Come on, let's go to my place
What'll we do?
We'll go for a drive
Stop!
Put the guns down!
Put the guns down! Christ!
I said put the guns down!
I said guns down, down
The clothes! The clothes!
Vassilij
We're off
Sit down for a minute
- Shut your eyes
- Why?
Shut them!
- No peeking!
- No
You can open
them now
What is it?
I'm so frightened
of losing you
What's the matter Luisa?
- Nothing can happen to us, Luisa
- Hold me, Umberto, hold me
- Hi Marcellina, Hi Mary
- Hi!
I know you were
expecting us later
But two Krauts lent us the motorbike.
So why not take advantage of it?
It was too valuable a jewel to
leave in the hands of the Nazis
So...
...are we sending our friend Vassilij
to Switzerland or not?
We've got a passport.
...but Marcellina's got some bad news.
I'm afraid so
They've seen fascists at Lends.
They're keeping her under surveillance
Bugger!
She could have helped
you on the train
- I'll go all the same
- No, ifs too dangerous
Okay
It'd be better to put off the journey
at least until we can get
someone to go with you
And him?
I can't keep him
at my mother's
I thought he could maybe
stay with you for a few days
- And how should I talk to him? In dialect?
- No, you just need to feed him
In a few days we'll take you to
Switzerland and you'll be free
Never say I don't think of you
- What are friends for?
- Doesn't your teacher have a friend?
You owe me one!
The big cheeses
are coming
after the mess the partisans
made outside the prison
and then these idiots are going
on with their provocations
You know what I say!
Better to get drunk!
- And who's paying?
- Do you need to ask?
- Umbe', hold me back or I'll knock her down
- You'd need a ladder to look her in the eye
It isn't time for lessons
Don't worry, I'll go away immediately
Worry? My mother says
yours a good teacher and...
...I have to trust you
I don't smoke
I'm going
To the Ministry?
Ok, I met a man who
works at the Ministry
He works for the
Social Republic
But he isn't a fascist
he does his job like lots
of other people
He doesn't use a gun
or wear a uniform
He minds his own business
If everyone had done that...
Look, I admire you
I know you risk your
lives every day
and I'm truly convinced
that you're in the right
but you can't think that whoever isn't
with you is necessarily against you
Because then everyone out there would
be fascists. But it isn't like that!
If you believe in what we're doing,
how can you trust him?
You know that I've already
seen a gun like that?
Yes, in a barn near here
Umberto was there too.
He saw everything
He could have gone to
the police, but he didn't
and you know what risks someone runs
when they don't report something like that
Loving's dangerous in wartime if you
love someone on the other side
- But Umberto isn't on the other side
- And you?
I'd die sooner than
betray you
Prove it!
What?
Ifs to do with Vassilij
We've decided to take
him to a neutral country
we've already done it to save
Jews or other foreign soldiers
Usually two of our agents
go with them
But unfortunately one of them
can't go anywhere at the moment
- But I don't believe that I can
- There isn't much to do
a train journey and then
whatever you find to Switzerland
So?
When... when do we leave?
As soon as we've made contact
with the mountain guides
If you have to separate for any reason,
you'll meet up again in a prearranged place
However, Mary, the other agent,
will explain everything to you
- So, I'll wait to hear from you
- Yes
You told me you didn't smoke
Sit down. Papers!
Reason for your journey?
- Now, you must run without stopping.
- Yes, yes.
Think only about running
I...
Thank you, thank you!
Thank you!
Children! Children!
Yes, Vassiiij, your
children are waiting for you
Thank you
Guess what?
- Umberto?
- First, a drop of coffee
You're playing hard to get
- So?
- First, the coffee
- Here's your coffee
- Thanks Mum
Come on Eleonora,
Is it from Umberto or not?
Yes, it's from my little brother.
Let's hope he's got his head together
My dears, if everything goes as
planned, you'll see me again soon
So make up my room and
have the piano tuned
Mum please get me some jasmine perfume.
Jasmine who knows if
he'll ever get his head together
But who's this... hi!
I couldn't wait
You know I've been busy
working at Farneda
- It was wonderful
- I've never seen you so excited
Well, lots of things have happened
Which have kept you away from class.
I came to look for you but you weren't there
Of course, because I was teaching the
children who can't come to school
Of course, because I was teaching the
children who can't come to school
- And you neglect me like that!
- No
You must be forgiven! Come here!
- I've been invited to a party
- A party?
- Is it a party at German Headquarters?
- Yes
It's tomorrow evening. I can't.
I've promised the teacher to help her.
- And there's the curfew, isn't there?
- I've got you a pass.
No Umberto, really, I can't tomorrow.
There'll be other opportunities. Really!
Opportunities aren't
enough for me, Luisa
I want to have you
with me forever
This moment will come.
We must just be patient.
The Germans! The Germans!
Please don't die.
Look at me. Please
Are you sure about what
you're saying, Antonio?
Lieutenant Berselli told me.
He was with the Germans
And someone was killed
- A girl was killed by mistake
- O Christ!
They were looking for a straggler and
that idiot started shooting everyone
I have to see her
Antonio, I have to be
certain she's Ok
Almighty and Eternal God, who reigns
over the living and the dead
receive the soul of our young
sister, tragically dead
receive the soul of our young
sister, tragically dead
Did you know her?
It could have happened to you Luisa
This place isn't safe anymore
you don't realise what's
happening, Luisa
I don't realise? And you?
What do you know about
these people's pain?
Please, Luisa, this isn't the right time.
This isn't the right time?
That girl...
...died in my arms
And I... I still remember
her eyes
And you come to me to say that
this isn't the right time?
I'm being transferred to Como
What, they're sending
you to Como
They're transferring the offices
to Lombardy because it's safer
You mustn't worry. I've
already thought about you
You only need follow me
My father's got influence.
He'll find you a place, you'll see.
I can't follow you, Umberto
I love you
I love you
But we're too different
but how can you say that you love
me and then not come after me
What will you achieve by staying here?
I don't know what I can do here,
but I know that I must stay.
How can I tell my children that I'm
scared and I want to run away
I can't run away, Umberto
Not now
Not now?
So, when?
Who knows when this war will end.
And it'll get worse and worse here
Why does Farneda and the
school matter to you?
They aren't part of you
You're just passing
through here
Umberto, don't push it!
You must never say this
Okay.
Okay.
If you change your mind,
you know where to find me
We've got visitors
found her down there in the wood.
She says she wants to talk to you
What do you want?
I want to stay here
What?
- And what are we going to do with this one?
- Kill him
- If we let him go, he'll come back
with his friends. - Don't talk rubbish
He's always been blindfolded
strip him and take him
to a safe place
Then let him go
Hell, they don't do
that to us!
Did you see Giovanni? They killed him
and dragged behind a truck
And so?
- Do you want us to descend to their level?
- Aren't we at war?
Do you want to become a murderer?
- So what do you want me to do then?
- Go ahead kill him. Shoot!
Shoot!
Do as he said.
Take him away!
You must also go away. Go back to Farneda.
You'll be more useful to my mother
Better not risk it. it'll be dark soon.
You can go down tomorrow morning
Okay but you'll come down there tomorrow
You're right
Love and war don't go together
Is it over?
He's been transferred to Como
You can always write to each other
Please, let me stay
Luisa the teacher doesn't exist
any more. She's dead
Please, let me start
again here
Do you know what the life
of one of us is worth?
A kilo of salt
That's the reward they give to
anyone who captures one of us
Do you think it's worth it?
Your place is down there. Teaching
the children to build a future.
What future do you think we'll
have if the war doesn't end?
Please, Serse, I beg you
Let me stay
Here!
I hope you'll never
have to use it
Welcome to the war!
Dear Umberto, I ask you to
read this letter to the end
before you're tempted to tear it up,
I'd like to ask for your forgiveness.
Don't hate me, Umberto,
for not following you.
It'd have been easy to take the
safe and easy way with you
If I'd chosen love
I'd have killed the part of myself which still
believes in the redemption of the just,
And in those who are fighting
for a different world.
Only God knows
what I suffer
But I've decided that I must
live, not just exist!
You won't have any
more news of me
But remember...
That I loved you with all my heart
And if you think of me
at least once
know that my love will
follow your soul
Forever!
- So, see you tomorrow
- Okay. Till tomorrow
Let's go. Mum's expecting us
What a shame. We could have
had a walk by the lake
What are they doing?
Christ! You can't!
Partisan whore!
So
To Renzo, who's spending
another birthday at war
Better here than in one of the
Decima's prisons, eh?
Hey! Why are you celebrating
with that muck? Look at this.
From the fascists' cellars. War booty!
Fantastic news. Long live Sergio!
Well done lads
However, before going on with the party,
I want to tell you the latest news
The radio of Chilesotti HQ says that the
Germans have had the wind put up them
the American 5th Army's a few
kilometers from Comacchio
and in a few weeks' time it should
have reached our positions
- they'll continue the air drops
- But when?
You'll be told in time
Hey, shall we try the wine
the fascists gave us?
Why are you so late?
The Germans are taking away
lots of people. it's terrible
The usual thing, dear Nora
The poor people always pay
While those criminal communists in
the mountains get away with it
They're like their chief, Badoglio
He ran away with the King and now they're
in hiding, waiting for the end of the war
Cowards!
Badoglio's a coward
But Mussolini
Do you believe that the man who
dragged us into this war isn't guilty?
At least, he didn't betray anyone.
He should have done!
Staying on Hitler's side isn't consistency,
Dad... it's foolishness
And now, excuse me, but
I've lost my appetite
Umberto, this isn't the way...
You forgot this
What's happened to you, Umberto?
You've been impossible since you
got back. Especially with Dad
There's a woman at the heart
of this, isn't there?
The one who was supposed
to follow you
the jasmine, the room to get ready
Do you know what I think?
'Rf she didn't follow you, she
didn't deserve you
'If there's anyone who doesn't
deserve to be loved, ifs me
I didn't understand her at all
I abandoned her right in the
most difficult moment
You did what you
thought was right
Yes, perhaps
But now I think differently
So why don't you write and tell her?
A letter of apology isn't enough
What are you going to do?
I love you Nora!
Never forget that,
Spring 1945
This is a Sten. it's got 30 shots
You load it like this, point it in
that direction and then shoot
Not like that. You're shooting the pigeons!
- Where did you get that?
- I gave myself a little present
it's a bit tight for you
How are you getting on
with the new ones?
Apart from a few dead pigeons...
They need to learn quickly
I've been talking to Mary
- The Krauts want to move up onto
the plateau. - Big stuff?
It'd seem so
We need more people
and something heavier
We're ready
When you see the Germans
at the bottom of the road,
on the bend, get on the bike.
That'll be the signal
And then you get out of there
And don't stop for any reason!
Okay
Good Luck
And to you
Stop
Bugger! The car's stopped
I'll keep it on target
Umberto
I can't go on...
...I can't imagine my
life without you
Bloody hell. Let's hope they'll
at least get off the road
Umberto, the Germans!
Come here
this way!
Don't shoot until
the first charge
and keep your bloody head down
if you want to take it home
- Please, Umberto, run
- No, I want to be with you!
We must get out of here
On my signal, we'll move
towards the wood
Go, go
This way, this way
Umberto
Umberto
Bastards!
Umberto
Umberto
Where's Umberto? Where is he?
I don't know where Umberto is.
I don't know
Where are the others?
This is a bloody awful war, Luisa.
It's our duty to hope
But I can't take it any more
So, you've really decided to leave us
You can't stay clinging to memories
You have to let go
and I'm planning to start
studying again
You'll be a good teacher
- We'll miss you so much!
- And I'll miss you
Kiss the children for me
Why don't you say goodbye
to them yourself?
Children!
They want to give you their exercise
books so that you'll remember them.
Umberto died on a spring day
Only a footstep from the end of the war
I was told that before he died
He saved one of ours
I never came back to the Red Lands
A lot of the certainties I had at 20 stayed
there and I've never found them again
But this is part of the life
that we are called to live.
to Thiene left yet?
There aren't
any trains today.
The line's been sabotaged
So what should I do now?
I'm walking, 'if you'd like
to join me
But how far is it to Thiene?
20, or maybe 25 kilometers.
What?! No thanks. I'll find
another way.
As you wish. Good luck!
Excuse me, could you wait for me please?
I can't go on - I'm so thirsty.
There's a place further on.
Shall we stop?
Yes!
No trains again, eh?
Cheer yourselves up with
this good stuff!
Ifs home made.
And it's also suitable for well
brought-up young ladies.
No, no thank you. I'd just like
a glass of cold water.
Water?
Drink a good glass of this
it'll help you to forget your
troubles these days
Please don't remind me about them!
I'll bring it to you right away.
But you don't know what
you're missing.
Here you are.
But this
we only put this in the
fascists' wine
All we need now is an
anti-fascist landlord!
However, he doesn't turn his nose
up at the fascists' money.
If I had a bar
I think I'd only serve the people I like.
And how would you decide if they were nice?
- I don't know...
I know! From their faces!
You'd judge them by
their clothes!
Sorry, no!
You'd judge them by
their education.
Amorch'a nullo amato
amar perdona!
Please!
O no, it's so late. I must go...
to Thiene otherwise
there'll be no one there.
Don't worry, we'll find a way
Shall we go?
I'm sorry but the railway
line was sabotaged
and so I came on foot as far
as Thiene and then...
Calm down, calm down
Come in.
I'm the new teacher
The important thing is that
you're here safe and sound.
Let me introduce you
to my husband
Welcome...
Luisa, Luisa De Nardi
- I'll take your suitcase
- Thank you
Come with me
- I'll make you something to eat.
- Please don't worry about that!
- It'll do you good
- Thank you
- Here's the little we have
- it's perfect!
You said that you got
to Thiene on foot
And then?
And then...
then I got a lift from the
chauffeur of the Ministry
Of the Ministry?
Yes
On the way here I
met a man
A very nice man
He works for the Ministry
so he offered to bring me here
You were lucky
But why have you moved
here from Verona?
And at this time?
Because I need the credits
even if it means being a
long way from home
However, I've always been used
to looking after myself.
Good!
Listen Luisa, this school
is small but decent
we are used to giving the children
everything they need
I can't wait to start
Wait til you meet the
little pests!
Shh. Be quiet! Go back
to your place!
Is that the right way to welcome
the new teacher?
As a punishment, write
'I am an ass' 50 times
I'm looking for Mr. Simonetti.
Where is he?
- At the end of the corridor on the left
- Thank you
Come in...
There's a certain Miss de Nardi for you, sir
What a surprise!
Ehm, I...
I came to thank you
Never mind. It wasn't
necessary
Last time you were
so very nice, so...
Really, it was a pleasure.
Please sit down
Thank you
- Oh no! I'm a disaster
- Don't worry
it's my fault... I've been meaning
to tidy up the office all week
Do you write records?
Yes, every day
Do you want to know how
many pigs there are in Thiene?
- No thanks!
- Here's the animal register!
I can do better than that
Would you like to know how many
donkeys there are in the province?
Here's the register!
No, look I see donkeys every day
I get the impression you'd be ready
to pack your bags immediately
Do you regret coming here?
Me? no way!
You see I love
challenges
And I'm really tough
You'll see the little pests
will turn into little angels
Excuse me
Hello
Yes, yes.
Thank you. Goodbye
I think it's time I went
Shall I get my chauffeur
to take you?
No thanks. Once was enough
And I've got my bicycle
Anyway, what's the weather like?
It looks like a nice day,
doesn't it?
Yes, it is
Okay, I'll come with you, if
that's all right with you
it's fine, but I wouldn't
want to interrupt you
I have to count chickens all afternoon.
Have pity on me!
Pardon?
Your papers
Yes, of course
They're here in my bag
But where did I put them?
They must be here
Maybe I left them at home
Keine Papieren, no papers?
No, no papers
Not good! Not good!
Please, I'm a teacher and
I live here at Fara
I teach children. Children!
Please would you let me go?
London calling, transmitting
some special messages
"Felix isn't felicitous"
Marcellina, you must get
rid of this radio
it's amazing we have it without
the fascists discovering it
Imagine what they'd do to
me if they found it
Olga's here
- Hi, guys!
- Hi Olga
- At last, a bit of news
- And also a bit of tobacco!
Well done, Olga!
Go easy with that!
Tell us about Antonia.
How did they catch her?
There was a round-up after
the attack on the railway
- Germans?
- Yes
They'll be taking her to the prison
in Thiene tomorrow evening
together with an escaped
prisoner of war
- who?
- I just know the name: Vassilij
Must be a Russian deserter
A Russian that's the last thing we need!
What'll we do with him?
We'll snatch Antonia and him before
they can put him up against the wall
Hey guys, what are
you looking at?
It's a map of the streets
leading to the prison
...with the Germans' route
Fantastic!
Remember, we hold the lives
of two prisoners in our hands
So don't fuck it up!
After the action, we'll separate.
Bill'll look after Antonia
Obviously, you'll cover the escape
I'll take care of the Russian
The Nazi Prison, Thiene
What are you doing here in my
home, eh? What's your name?
Luisa, my name's Luisa
Give me a hand. Hell! Don't just
stand there watching.
Serse!
We freed him with Antonia
We need to stop the bleeding.
Go and get some bandages
Gently, gently
I don't know. He speaks Russian
He escaped from a prisoner of war camp
and ended up in the hands of the Germans
And her?
Shes my assistant in the school
She's trustworthy!
Good
I'll leave him with you for
a few days, Mum
And you?
I'm going back to the others
Hello
Hows the wounded man?
Fine from his appetite
This is my sister
She died under internment
of starvation
And these are Mario and Vittorio
They were my pupils
They were found
strung up from a tree
Killed by the Germans
I don't know what
you think Luisa
but here we decided to make a
stand against these atrocities
Even if we have to use arms
Well done Umbe', but you've
become more expensive
once upon a time you'd play two numbers
per packet, now you just play one
Didn't they tell you that art
doesn't come cheap, Antonio?
And you know that I could
die for these
And honestly...
Yours are the best
I've meta girl!
She's beautiful
She's a teacher at Farneda
Farneda?
Umbe', that's in the
Red Lands
That's a dangerous place,
you know, full of bandits
I'll take a risk for
that girl
You're joking but ifs
no laughing matter!
Don't you see that this war's
turning everyone into animals
it's fratricide. Those guys in
the mountains were ours
They fought in Greece, in Albania and now
what are they doing, Umbe? What?
They're blowing us up or we're
putting them up against a wall
That's their choice
they became rebels
They betrayed their allies
Why HOW?
At least you swore an oath.
You respect the uniform you wear.
My uniform? I'm only interested
in the end of the war
Hi!
As you can see, I've
kept my promise.
I'm really pleased
to see you
so this is the famous
school of Farneda?
Why don't we go for a walk?
Yes, great idea
But make me a promise
That I can call you Luisa from now on
Okay
it's raining
it's jasmine
Your perfume
The garden of my house in
Rome was full of jasmine
How did you end up here?
I followed the Ministry
After 8th September,
me here...
...my parents in Lombardy
Promise me that you'll
wear this again
Promise me that you'll wear
this perfume again!
Christ!
They're guns!
We must go to the police.
Immediately!
Why?
Let it go Umberto
Let it go?
Luisa, they're guns
I know they're guns, but...
If you go to the police
the poor farmers
who live here'll suffer
the Germans'll come and
they'll burn the houses
Leave it!
Okay, Okay
We'll do as you say
it's stopped raining
I don't want to stay
here anymore!
Please, let's go
That little teacher owes
us an explanation
Come on, Bill!
Lads!
We're going down there
- News?
- Silva's coming!
Really? He'll be able to give you
the latest radio messages
By the way, tell him to say
hi to Marcellina for me
That woman deserves to be made a
saint for everything she does for us
Dei primi fanti il 24 maggio!
L'esercito marciava per raggiungere
la frontiera
Per far contro il nemico una barriera
Hi Mum
Serse, you shouldn't come
here in daylight. it's dangerous
Oh Mum, don't worry.
And also Bill's outside
- Is there anything to eat?
- I must have some polenta!
Better than nothing
Where's Dad?
Here
Mum
You said I could trust your assistant
teacher, didn't you?
Luisa?
We've seen her with
someone we don't like
Bill says that he works
at the Ministry
With the fascists!
He's an official, some kind
of paper-pusher
Yes, but even if he's a paper-pusher,
I don't like this relationship
Why are you so suspicious?
Shes a sweet girl. Trust her
Hello
Hello
You're Luisa, the teacher who helps
my mother at school, aren't you?
You know mum...
I'm glad that you respect her
its difficult to trust
anyone these days
Fortunately, no-one here
hangs out with fascists
Do they?
See you soon
There are Germans after the bridge
I came from there
Shit! A German
Salute the officer
Yes, salute him
Hello!
He didn't realise, did he?
He'll come back with the SS
So better get out
of here then?
But if they come back and don't
find us they'll take it out on the villagers
So what do you want to do?
Let's take him out, Bill. That'll
wipe out any doubts
Leave it Bill. I'll
sort him out
I'll empty a magazine into him
Or two. What do you think?
Yes, two's better
Where shall I hit him, Bill?
A few shots, but good ones,
so his friends won't come
If you don't do it now,
he'll be too far away
Yes, yes, okay
Only in the back like this
He'd do it, wouldn't he?
How the hell do I know, Bill.
That isn't the point
He's gone
Shit!
He only asked for a cigarette Bill
And we were about to kill him like a dog
What are we turning into?
What are we turning into, Bill?
I can see that you're better
Good, good!
I'd love to know what
you're thinking about
Maybe you've got a family
Who you miss
Good!
You don't understand
me, do you?
Well, If it's any consolation,
I don't understand myself either
I don't know... sometimes I think...
...That I want to complicate my life
I even did when I was a child
We had a cantankerous neighbour
who my mother hated
And I fell in love with his son
We used to meet in secret at school.
A clandestine romance at 8 years old
after twenty years things
haven't changed much
I'm in love with a man who works with
the fascists and I live with antifascists.
I don't know
I don't know where this
relationship'll take me
But, Vassilij, I know that I want
to live it to the full
Are they your children?
You'll see them again,
Vassilij,
I'm sure you'll see them again
A beautiful girl's
coming this way
Antonio, this is Luisa
Pleased to meet you
Umbertds told me
a lot about you
and I have to say he
hasn't exaggerated
- So, why don't we celebrate now?
- I really must go
- But you've just got here
- Please, Umberto, I can't
Come on, don't be shy
- So, Rosolio for everyone
- And for you Luisa?
- No thanks, not for me
- But a bit of rosolio won't hurt you
Waitress, rosolio for
three please!
I'm sorry
Luisa!
Luisa!
What's the matter with you?
There was too much
smoke in there
- And I felt suffocated
- but what must Antonio be thinking?
Why don't you go back to him?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, perhaps
I'm just a bit tired
Come on, let's go to my place
What'll we do?
We'll go for a drive
Stop!
Put the guns down!
Put the guns down! Christ!
I said put the guns down!
I said guns down, down
The clothes! The clothes!
Vassilij
We're off
Sit down for a minute
- Shut your eyes
- Why?
Shut them!
- No peeking!
- No
You can open
them now
What is it?
I'm so frightened
of losing you
What's the matter Luisa?
- Nothing can happen to us, Luisa
- Hold me, Umberto, hold me
- Hi Marcellina, Hi Mary
- Hi!
I know you were
expecting us later
But two Krauts lent us the motorbike.
So why not take advantage of it?
It was too valuable a jewel to
leave in the hands of the Nazis
So...
...are we sending our friend Vassilij
to Switzerland or not?
We've got a passport.
...but Marcellina's got some bad news.
I'm afraid so
They've seen fascists at Lends.
They're keeping her under surveillance
Bugger!
She could have helped
you on the train
- I'll go all the same
- No, ifs too dangerous
Okay
It'd be better to put off the journey
at least until we can get
someone to go with you
And him?
I can't keep him
at my mother's
I thought he could maybe
stay with you for a few days
- And how should I talk to him? In dialect?
- No, you just need to feed him
In a few days we'll take you to
Switzerland and you'll be free
Never say I don't think of you
- What are friends for?
- Doesn't your teacher have a friend?
You owe me one!
The big cheeses
are coming
after the mess the partisans
made outside the prison
and then these idiots are going
on with their provocations
You know what I say!
Better to get drunk!
- And who's paying?
- Do you need to ask?
- Umbe', hold me back or I'll knock her down
- You'd need a ladder to look her in the eye
It isn't time for lessons
Don't worry, I'll go away immediately
Worry? My mother says
yours a good teacher and...
...I have to trust you
I don't smoke
I'm going
To the Ministry?
Ok, I met a man who
works at the Ministry
He works for the
Social Republic
But he isn't a fascist
he does his job like lots
of other people
He doesn't use a gun
or wear a uniform
He minds his own business
If everyone had done that...
Look, I admire you
I know you risk your
lives every day
and I'm truly convinced
that you're in the right
but you can't think that whoever isn't
with you is necessarily against you
Because then everyone out there would
be fascists. But it isn't like that!
If you believe in what we're doing,
how can you trust him?
You know that I've already
seen a gun like that?
Yes, in a barn near here
Umberto was there too.
He saw everything
He could have gone to
the police, but he didn't
and you know what risks someone runs
when they don't report something like that
Loving's dangerous in wartime if you
love someone on the other side
- But Umberto isn't on the other side
- And you?
I'd die sooner than
betray you
Prove it!
What?
Ifs to do with Vassilij
We've decided to take
him to a neutral country
we've already done it to save
Jews or other foreign soldiers
Usually two of our agents
go with them
But unfortunately one of them
can't go anywhere at the moment
- But I don't believe that I can
- There isn't much to do
a train journey and then
whatever you find to Switzerland
So?
When... when do we leave?
As soon as we've made contact
with the mountain guides
If you have to separate for any reason,
you'll meet up again in a prearranged place
However, Mary, the other agent,
will explain everything to you
- So, I'll wait to hear from you
- Yes
You told me you didn't smoke
Sit down. Papers!
Reason for your journey?
- Now, you must run without stopping.
- Yes, yes.
Think only about running
I...
Thank you, thank you!
Thank you!
Children! Children!
Yes, Vassiiij, your
children are waiting for you
Thank you
Guess what?
- Umberto?
- First, a drop of coffee
You're playing hard to get
- So?
- First, the coffee
- Here's your coffee
- Thanks Mum
Come on Eleonora,
Is it from Umberto or not?
Yes, it's from my little brother.
Let's hope he's got his head together
My dears, if everything goes as
planned, you'll see me again soon
So make up my room and
have the piano tuned
Mum please get me some jasmine perfume.
Jasmine who knows if
he'll ever get his head together
But who's this... hi!
I couldn't wait
You know I've been busy
working at Farneda
- It was wonderful
- I've never seen you so excited
Well, lots of things have happened
Which have kept you away from class.
I came to look for you but you weren't there
Of course, because I was teaching the
children who can't come to school
Of course, because I was teaching the
children who can't come to school
- And you neglect me like that!
- No
You must be forgiven! Come here!
- I've been invited to a party
- A party?
- Is it a party at German Headquarters?
- Yes
It's tomorrow evening. I can't.
I've promised the teacher to help her.
- And there's the curfew, isn't there?
- I've got you a pass.
No Umberto, really, I can't tomorrow.
There'll be other opportunities. Really!
Opportunities aren't
enough for me, Luisa
I want to have you
with me forever
This moment will come.
We must just be patient.
The Germans! The Germans!
Please don't die.
Look at me. Please
Are you sure about what
you're saying, Antonio?
Lieutenant Berselli told me.
He was with the Germans
And someone was killed
- A girl was killed by mistake
- O Christ!
They were looking for a straggler and
that idiot started shooting everyone
I have to see her
Antonio, I have to be
certain she's Ok
Almighty and Eternal God, who reigns
over the living and the dead
receive the soul of our young
sister, tragically dead
receive the soul of our young
sister, tragically dead
Did you know her?
It could have happened to you Luisa
This place isn't safe anymore
you don't realise what's
happening, Luisa
I don't realise? And you?
What do you know about
these people's pain?
Please, Luisa, this isn't the right time.
This isn't the right time?
That girl...
...died in my arms
And I... I still remember
her eyes
And you come to me to say that
this isn't the right time?
I'm being transferred to Como
What, they're sending
you to Como
They're transferring the offices
to Lombardy because it's safer
You mustn't worry. I've
already thought about you
You only need follow me
My father's got influence.
He'll find you a place, you'll see.
I can't follow you, Umberto
I love you
I love you
But we're too different
but how can you say that you love
me and then not come after me
What will you achieve by staying here?
I don't know what I can do here,
but I know that I must stay.
How can I tell my children that I'm
scared and I want to run away
I can't run away, Umberto
Not now
Not now?
So, when?
Who knows when this war will end.
And it'll get worse and worse here
Why does Farneda and the
school matter to you?
They aren't part of you
You're just passing
through here
Umberto, don't push it!
You must never say this
Okay.
Okay.
If you change your mind,
you know where to find me
We've got visitors
found her down there in the wood.
She says she wants to talk to you
What do you want?
I want to stay here
What?
- And what are we going to do with this one?
- Kill him
- If we let him go, he'll come back
with his friends. - Don't talk rubbish
He's always been blindfolded
strip him and take him
to a safe place
Then let him go
Hell, they don't do
that to us!
Did you see Giovanni? They killed him
and dragged behind a truck
And so?
- Do you want us to descend to their level?
- Aren't we at war?
Do you want to become a murderer?
- So what do you want me to do then?
- Go ahead kill him. Shoot!
Shoot!
Do as he said.
Take him away!
You must also go away. Go back to Farneda.
You'll be more useful to my mother
Better not risk it. it'll be dark soon.
You can go down tomorrow morning
Okay but you'll come down there tomorrow
You're right
Love and war don't go together
Is it over?
He's been transferred to Como
You can always write to each other
Please, let me stay
Luisa the teacher doesn't exist
any more. She's dead
Please, let me start
again here
Do you know what the life
of one of us is worth?
A kilo of salt
That's the reward they give to
anyone who captures one of us
Do you think it's worth it?
Your place is down there. Teaching
the children to build a future.
What future do you think we'll
have if the war doesn't end?
Please, Serse, I beg you
Let me stay
Here!
I hope you'll never
have to use it
Welcome to the war!
Dear Umberto, I ask you to
read this letter to the end
before you're tempted to tear it up,
I'd like to ask for your forgiveness.
Don't hate me, Umberto,
for not following you.
It'd have been easy to take the
safe and easy way with you
If I'd chosen love
I'd have killed the part of myself which still
believes in the redemption of the just,
And in those who are fighting
for a different world.
Only God knows
what I suffer
But I've decided that I must
live, not just exist!
You won't have any
more news of me
But remember...
That I loved you with all my heart
And if you think of me
at least once
know that my love will
follow your soul
Forever!
- So, see you tomorrow
- Okay. Till tomorrow
Let's go. Mum's expecting us
What a shame. We could have
had a walk by the lake
What are they doing?
Christ! You can't!
Partisan whore!
So
To Renzo, who's spending
another birthday at war
Better here than in one of the
Decima's prisons, eh?
Hey! Why are you celebrating
with that muck? Look at this.
From the fascists' cellars. War booty!
Fantastic news. Long live Sergio!
Well done lads
However, before going on with the party,
I want to tell you the latest news
The radio of Chilesotti HQ says that the
Germans have had the wind put up them
the American 5th Army's a few
kilometers from Comacchio
and in a few weeks' time it should
have reached our positions
- they'll continue the air drops
- But when?
You'll be told in time
Hey, shall we try the wine
the fascists gave us?
Why are you so late?
The Germans are taking away
lots of people. it's terrible
The usual thing, dear Nora
The poor people always pay
While those criminal communists in
the mountains get away with it
They're like their chief, Badoglio
He ran away with the King and now they're
in hiding, waiting for the end of the war
Cowards!
Badoglio's a coward
But Mussolini
Do you believe that the man who
dragged us into this war isn't guilty?
At least, he didn't betray anyone.
He should have done!
Staying on Hitler's side isn't consistency,
Dad... it's foolishness
And now, excuse me, but
I've lost my appetite
Umberto, this isn't the way...
You forgot this
What's happened to you, Umberto?
You've been impossible since you
got back. Especially with Dad
There's a woman at the heart
of this, isn't there?
The one who was supposed
to follow you
the jasmine, the room to get ready
Do you know what I think?
'Rf she didn't follow you, she
didn't deserve you
'If there's anyone who doesn't
deserve to be loved, ifs me
I didn't understand her at all
I abandoned her right in the
most difficult moment
You did what you
thought was right
Yes, perhaps
But now I think differently
So why don't you write and tell her?
A letter of apology isn't enough
What are you going to do?
I love you Nora!
Never forget that,
Spring 1945
This is a Sten. it's got 30 shots
You load it like this, point it in
that direction and then shoot
Not like that. You're shooting the pigeons!
- Where did you get that?
- I gave myself a little present
it's a bit tight for you
How are you getting on
with the new ones?
Apart from a few dead pigeons...
They need to learn quickly
I've been talking to Mary
- The Krauts want to move up onto
the plateau. - Big stuff?
It'd seem so
We need more people
and something heavier
We're ready
When you see the Germans
at the bottom of the road,
on the bend, get on the bike.
That'll be the signal
And then you get out of there
And don't stop for any reason!
Okay
Good Luck
And to you
Stop
Bugger! The car's stopped
I'll keep it on target
Umberto
I can't go on...
...I can't imagine my
life without you
Bloody hell. Let's hope they'll
at least get off the road
Umberto, the Germans!
Come here
this way!
Don't shoot until
the first charge
and keep your bloody head down
if you want to take it home
- Please, Umberto, run
- No, I want to be with you!
We must get out of here
On my signal, we'll move
towards the wood
Go, go
This way, this way
Umberto
Umberto
Bastards!
Umberto
Umberto
Where's Umberto? Where is he?
I don't know where Umberto is.
I don't know
Where are the others?
This is a bloody awful war, Luisa.
It's our duty to hope
But I can't take it any more
So, you've really decided to leave us
You can't stay clinging to memories
You have to let go
and I'm planning to start
studying again
You'll be a good teacher
- We'll miss you so much!
- And I'll miss you
Kiss the children for me
Why don't you say goodbye
to them yourself?
Children!
They want to give you their exercise
books so that you'll remember them.
Umberto died on a spring day
Only a footstep from the end of the war
I was told that before he died
He saved one of ours
I never came back to the Red Lands
A lot of the certainties I had at 20 stayed
there and I've never found them again
But this is part of the life
that we are called to live.