Salvo D'Acquisto

Excellent film that narrates the tragic event of the sacrifice of a Carabiniere to prevent the execution of 23 Italian hostages in retaliation for a supposed, but nonexistent, attack against the occupying German forces in that difficult historical moment of World War II in Italy immediately after the signing of the armistice on September 8th.

The film has a good storyline and moments of evocative lyricism, albeit marred by some cinematic stylistic elements typical of the era, such as excessive use of zoom and other minor technicalities, as well as occasionally ill-characterized costumes.

Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly a good production with decent cinematography and music that complements it well. The main actors are quite believable in their roles, while the secondary ones, mostly simple extras with very small parts, lack a certain professionalism but are directed to the best of their abilities.

The film's setting is very evocative, with well-chosen locations that are narratively well-utilized.