I've watched quite a few documentaries and movies about the holocaust. However, this one is unusual because it specifically addresses the Italians and how they dealt with the Jews. Fortunately, although many folks were killed, many more were spared because according to this film, many Italians stepped up and risked their lives to save them. Now this is not to say a tragedy did not occur--but, fortunately, about 80% of the Jews in Italy did survive the war.
The beginning of the film talked about a famous Tour de France winner from Italy, Gino Bartali. Then, the film jumps to many other Italians and their stories before returning to Bartali's contributions to the resistance and how he helped fleeing Jews. It's an odd way of framing the story but it worked. What also worked well was seeing folks returning to the country decades later to discuss their stories and meet with folks or their relatives that saved them. Very touching and very well made...and very interesting.
The beginning of the film talked about a famous Tour de France winner from Italy, Gino Bartali. Then, the film jumps to many other Italians and their stories before returning to Bartali's contributions to the resistance and how he helped fleeing Jews. It's an odd way of framing the story but it worked. What also worked well was seeing folks returning to the country decades later to discuss their stories and meet with folks or their relatives that saved them. Very touching and very well made...and very interesting.