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Rome Open City is a 1945 Italian neorealist film directed by Roberto Rossellini. Set in Rome during the Nazi occupation in 1944, the film follows the lives of a group of Resistance fighters and ordinary citizens as they struggle to survive under the brutal regime. The film opens with a group of Resistance fighters led by Giorgio Manfredi (Marcello Pagliero) attempting to smuggle a wounded comrade out of the city. Their plan is thwarted by the Nazis, and Manfredi is forced to go into hiding. Meanwhile, Don Pietro Pellegrini (Aldo Fabrizi), a Catholic priest who secretly supports the Resistance, is arrested by the Gestapo.

The heart of the film is the relationship between Manfredi and Pina (Anna Magnani), a widow whose husband was killed by the Nazis. Pina is deeply involved in the Resistance and provides shelter for Manfredi in her home. The two develop a close bond, and Pina becomes pregnant with Manfredi's child.

The film is shot in a stark, documentary style that captures the grim reality of life under Nazi occupation. The streets are lined with rubble, and the people are dirty and exhausted. The film depicts the horrors of war in vivid detail, including scenes of torture and executions.

Despite its bleak subject matter, Rome Open City is a deeply moving film that celebrates the resilience and bravery of the human spirit. The characters are complex and nuanced, and the performances are outstanding. Magnani, in particular, gives a tour-de-force performance as Pina, capturing both her vulnerability and her determination.

The film was groundbreaking in its use of non-professional actors, many of whom had experienced the war firsthand. The result is a powerful work of art that feels authentic and immediate. The film's influence can be seen in the work of directors such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

Rome Open City is also notable for its political message. The film was made in the immediate aftermath of the war, and Rossellini was unafraid to take a strong stance against fascism and Nazism. The film is a powerful indictment of the horrors of war and a celebration of those who fought against tyranny.

In conclusion, Rome Open City is a masterpiece of Italian neorealism that deserves to be seen by anyone interested in the art of film. Its powerful message and unforgettable characters make it a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Rome Open City is a 1945 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.