ROME OPEN CITY - DVD

ROME, OPEN CITY
A film by Roberto Rossellini

A landmark of Italian neorealism, and often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, Roberto Rossellin's portrait of life under the Nazi Occupation remains remarkable for its sheer immediacy, tension and power.

Made in extraordinarily straitened circumstances immediately after the liberation of Rome, the film follows Manfredi (Marcello Pagliero), a partisan leader, as he attempts to evade the Gastapo by enlisting the help of Pina (Anna Magnani) fiancée of a fellow member of the underground resistance, and Don Pietro (Aldo Fabrizi), the priest due to oversee her marriage. Both Fabrizi and Magnani were well known comedic actors and perform magnificently against type.

Shot both on the ravaged streets and in the studio, Rome, Open City seamlessly blends sequences reminiscent of documentary with more conventional dramatic scenes notable for their pace, precise staging and affectingly naturalistic performances. Its emotional punch remains undiminished.

Special features

• Newly remastered presentation
• The Children of Open City (2006, Laura Muscardin, 52 mins): a documentary made for the 60th anniversary of Rome, Open City featuring Vito Annicchiarico visiting key locations and sharing memories of the shoot
• Illustrated booklet featuring essays and credits

Italy | 1945 | black and white | Italian and German language, with optional English subtitles | 100 minutes | Original aspect ratio 1.33:1 | DVD9 | PAL | Cert 15 | Region 2 DVD

Review

Rossellini's study of resistance, shot in war-ravaged Rome in 1945, is a masterpiece.***** --Mark Kermode, Observer

A thrillingly real drama about events fresh in the mind. ***** --Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

Robert Rossellini's post-war melodrama is an uncompromising vision of a proud city in desperate times. ***** --Robbie Collin, Daily Telegraph