“The Long Night of ’43” is a 1960 film directed by Florestano Vancini, standing out in the Italian
cinema landscape for its intense narrative and strong political and social commitment. The film is
based on the story of the same name by Giorgio Bassani, included in the collection “Five Stories of
Ferrara,” and provides a vivid depiction of the tragic historical event that struck the city of Ferrara
during World War II.

The film is set in 1943, in a war-torn Italy occupied by Nazi forces, and centers on a specific event:
the Ferrara massacre, occurring during the night of November 14-15. After the armistice of
September 8, 1943, Italy finds itself in a period of great chaos and confusion. Ferrara, like many
other Italian cities, is occupied by German troops and governed by local fascists. The plot follows
the events of Franco Villani (played by Gabriele Ferzetti), a young partisan who returns to his
hometown only to find it profoundly changed and marked by fear and oppression.

At the heart of the narrative is the massacre of eleven citizens of Ferrara, a retaliatory act carried
out by local fascists in response to the killing of the commander of the Republican National Guard,
the fascist federal Carlo Aretusi (in the film, the homonymous character is played by Enrico Maria
Salerno). This tragic event is depicted with raw realism in the film, highlighting the absurdity and
brutality of war and political vendettas.

“The Long Night of ’43” explores various themes, including the horror of war, the partisan
resistance, and the moral conflict within Italian society at the time. Vancini masterfully directs a
story that brings to light the moral ambiguities and difficulties faced by the Italian people during
the Nazi occupation. Franco Villani serves as a vehicle to examine guilt, fear, and
the courage needed to confront an oppressive regime.

Vancini’s direction is characterized by sober realism and a strong attention to historical details.
Using black and white cinematography, the film acquires a grim and oppressive atmosphere that
perfectly reflects the period’s climate. The choice of black and white is not merely aesthetic but
serves to underline the dichotomy between good and evil, right and wrong, emphasizing the
human drama.

“The Long Night of ’43” is not just a war movie but a powerful historical document and a deeply
human portrayal of the tensions and tragedies that marked Italy during World War II. Through
compelling storytelling and impeccable direction, Florestano Vancini manages to capture the
essence of an era and offer a profound reflection on the consequences of conflict and totalitarian
ideology. This film remains a masterpiece of Italian cinema, a lasting testament to the resistance
and resilience in the face of tyranny.

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