Escape by Night

Escape by Night is a compelling suspense movie from 1960 that is set in Italy during World War II. Directed by Roberto Rossellini, the film revolves around the story of a group of Italian villagers who hide a group of Allied soldiers on the run from the Nazis. The movie stars Leo Genn, Giovanna Ralli, and Sergey Bondarchuk. The film begins with a group of Allied soldiers being captured by the Nazis after their plane crashes in a small Italian village. The soldiers manage to escape from their captors and find refuge in the village, where they are rescued by a group of courageous Italian villagers. The villagers, including the town mayor and a local farmer, take the soldiers into their homes and hide them from the Nazis who are hot on their trail. As the soldiers go into hiding, the film depicts the bonds that are formed between the soldiers and the villagers. There is a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding that develops as they work together to protect each other from the dangers of the war. Amidst the chaos of the war, there is also a hint of romance between one of the soldiers and a local girl. The movie is a testament to the courage and resilience of ordinary people in times of war. Despite the dangers they face, the villagers stand up to the Nazis to protect their fellow human beings. The film showcases the bravery of these ordinary people and how they put their own lives on the line to protect others. One of the standout performances in the movie is by Giovanna Ralli, who plays the role of Nina, a young Italian villager who falls in love with one of the soldiers. Her performance is nuanced and heartfelt, as she portrays the conflicting emotions of a young girl caught up in the chaos of war. Leo Genn, who plays the role of the British officer, is also impressive in his portrayal of a leader who is forced to rely on the help of the villagers to keep his soldiers safe. Genn's performance is understated yet powerful, as he captures the quiet courage and determination of a leader who refuses to give up despite overwhelming odds. The cinematography in the movie is strikingly beautiful, capturing the beauty of the Italian countryside amidst the chaos of the war. The use of light and shadow throughout the film adds to the sense of tension and suspense, as the soldiers and villagers struggle to stay hidden from the Nazis. The soundtrack of the movie is also noteworthy, as it captures the emotions of the characters and adds to the suspense of the film. The haunting melodies and dramatic orchestration heighten the tension of the movie and add to the overall impact of the story. Escape by Night is a gripping movie that explores the themes of courage, sacrifice, and friendship amidst the chaos of war. The movie is a tribute to the human spirit and the strength of ordinary people in extraordinary times. The film is a classic example of Italian neorealism, a film movement that emerged after World War II and depicted the social and political realities of Italy in a realistic and unembellished manner. In conclusion, Escape by Night is a must-see movie for anyone interested in war films, and is a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity. The movie offers a powerful message about the importance of compassion, friendship, and the willingness to put oneself in danger to protect others. The film is a true classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Escape by Night is a Drama, War movie released in 1960. It has a runtime of 138 min.. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.2..