Plot and Themes
The events in ‘Vermiglio’ occur in one of the last alpine uncontrolled territories in Italy during the Second World War, a time of confusion and blizzards. Worried about his devotion to Mussolini and the fascist regime, Pietro, a disgruntled soldier runs away from war and manages to find safety in Vermiglio, a little village caught in the clashes between the fascists and the refugees. Important to the world as the village may have seemed, unexplainable secrets that are disintegrating the politics of the villagers reappear as Pietro reaches the village and claiming to shatter the already sensitive balance.
One of the things which utterly revolts the village’s social pedagogue’s daughter always on the move and never afraid to pursue her ambitions, Lucia is furious at how the entire village amongst others is able to object to such sensations: the support by the family, society, and every intrinsic belief she stirs towards the prevailing definition of liberty in the bloody and ruthless days of war. Phases of struggle and hope along with ideologies of morals and ethics whilst grappling with the definition of internal and battles outside are portrayed in the film as well.
Direction and Aesthetic
„Vermiglio“ má na doskách tiež svet pre jej detailné a umelecky vtiahnuté kapitoly sa podieľa Maura Delpero a so scénami aj Francesco Di Giacomo. Je známe, že Maura dokáže venovať pozornosť aj detailom a veľmi subtílne vystupuje prostredníctvom emotívne podaných situácií. Franklin na scéne sa snaží o jedno NEPOMERNE tichú a TMPRY subtílnu kett set, ktorá zasiale kameň v divákov आवाज a filozofii filmu.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
- The movie was filmed on location in the real village of Vermiglio, adding authenticity to the setting. The filmmakers worked closely with local residents to ensure cultural accuracy.
- The costume design reflects the era’s austerity, with handmade period-appropriate clothing to immerse the audience in 1940s Italy.
- Composer Giulia Tagliavia crafted the haunting score, blending traditional Alpine folk music with minimalist orchestration to evoke the film’s somber yet hopeful tone.
Key Performances
- Giuseppe De Domenico delivers a nuanced performance as Pietro, portraying him as a man torn between guilt, love, and survival.
- Martina Scrinzi, in her breakthrough role as Lucia, captures the complexity of a young woman caught between personal desires and societal expectations.
- Veteran actor Tommaso Ragno portrays the patriarchal schoolteacher, whose strict adherence to tradition comes into conflict with the winds of change brought by the war.
Critical Acclaim
‘Vermiglio’ has won multiple awards in the festival circuit tracing a touching tale on the more global aspect of World War II. The critics have brought to the limelight the effects of war in the example of the quiet suffering and torment which lasts for a long time rather battles and how that quest fills the lives of ordinary people.
- Variety: “A stunning blend of history and humanity, ‘Vermiglio’ is as much a love letter to the resilience of small communities as it is a harrowing depiction of the moral compromises demanded by war.”
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Maura Delpero cements her place as one of Italy’s most visionary directors with ‘Vermiglio,’ a film that’s as breathtaking as it is emotionally gripping.”
Awards Buzz
- As Italy’s submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, “Vermiglio” has garnered significant attention from critics and audiences alike.
- The film has also been nominated for the Golden Lion Award at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received the Grand Jury Prize.
Why You Should Watch It
“Vermiglio” is no ordinary war film; it’s a touching story centered on human endurance, the complexities of morality, and the importance of love through challenges. It is a great watch for those who appreciated character-centered stories like A Hidden Life (2019) or Cold War (2018) as this film has a lot to offer as well.
