Watch Il Generale Della Rovere

Il Generale Della Rovere is a powerful Italian war drama film from 1959, directed by Roberto Rossellini and starring the legendary Vittorio De Sica in the title role. The story is set in the final stages of World War II, and follows the exploits of a petty thief called Bertone (played by Hannes Messemer), who is recruited by the Italian resistance to impersonate a captured Nazi general, the enigmatic Della Rovere.

The film is renowned for its ability to convey the emotional complexity of wartime Italy, as well as its hauntingly beautiful cinematography and the power of its performances. De Sica, in particular, delivers an exceptional performance, imbuing his character with a mixture of pride, dignity, and despair that resonates long after the film ends.

The film opens with the main character, Bertone, being released from prison and reconnecting with his old criminal associates. His luck soon takes a turn for the worse, however, when he is caught by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. It is there that he first encounters Della Rovere, a proud and commanding man who has been captured and sentenced to death.

Bertone is approached by a member of the Italian resistance, who offers him a deal: if he agrees to impersonate Della Rovere and infiltrate a German prison camp, he will be granted freedom. Bertone reluctantly accepts the offer, and with a little coaching from the resistance, he soon finds himself posing as the famous general.

Once inside the German prison, Bertone is surprised to find that the inmates are not the hardened Nazi soldiers he expected, but rather a group of Italian resistance fighters who have been captured and are awaiting execution. Despite his initial reluctance to get involved, Bertone finds himself drawn into their cause, and begins to secretly help them in their efforts to escape.

As Bertone’s involvement with the resistance grows, so too does his need to maintain his disguise. He begins studying Della Rovere’s mannerisms and speech patterns, and soon finds himself being treated as if he really were the General. The psychological toll of this deception slowly eats away at Bertone, until he is forced to confront the reality of his situation and make a decision that could cost him his life.

Il Generale Della Rovere is a gripping, thought-provoking film that explores the themes of identity, heroism, and sacrifice in wartime. It is a film that reminds us of the human cost of war, and of the courage and resilience of those who risk everything to stand up for what they believe in. With its superb performances, intricate characterizations, and deep emotional resonance, it is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Il Generale Della Rovere is a 1960 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.