Rome, Open City

Year: 1945

Grade: B

Country: Italy

Director: Rossellini

Review

one of the earliest neo-realist films, rome, open city follows roman city dwellers during the nazi occupation in the waning years of world war II. historically it’s an important film because, along with bicycle thief, it defined a genre. it also paved the way for a slightly superior film – battle of algiers 1966. use of non-professional actors, in actual settings, with a news reel type filming style all add to the authentic look of the picture. this film seemed to gain effectiveness as it progressed, as the characters became more known and as the story built to a climax. that’s a refreshing contrast to many pictures that feature vapid characters with little depth, predicable or uninteresting stories, and wear thin with time. assured and solid filmmaking.