“We're fighting for something that has to be, that can't help coming. The road may be long and hard, but we'll get there and we'll see a better world. And our children especially will see it.”

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, But This Movie Sure Was

Rome, Open City is adapted from a book of true stories about living through the Nazi occupation. Co-writer and director Roberto Rossellini took these tales of survival and wove them into a gripping drama about the Italian resistance. Filmed using non-professional actors and real Roman locations, the movie has a gritty, documentary feel. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we conclude our series on the nominees of the 1947 Academy Awards for ‘Best Writing, Screenplay’ with Rossellini's iconic 1945 film Rome, Open City.

Reel Talk on Real Life

We unpack this landmark of Italian neorealism that was filmed on the war-torn streets of Rome just months after the Nazi occupation ended. The filmmakers wanted to capture the rawness of life during wartime. Iconic scenes like Pina's death as she runs after the Nazi truck became cinematic landmarks. The movie birthed a whole movement in Italian neorealism.

Women Navigating Impossible Choices
Pina, played unforgettably by Anna Magnani, is the fiancée of resistance fighter Francesco. Her violent death scene is one of the film's most wrenching moments. Dancer Marina gets caught up spying for the Nazis in exchange for drugs and fur coats. We see how she becomes compromised and is discarded when no longer useful. German officer Ingrid manipulates Marina through addiction. She represents the female face of Nazi villainy and moral corruption.

War's Impact on the Next Generation
The tragedy of the film is how war devastates the lives of children like Pina's son and the street boys who witness Pietro's death. Yet the image of these boys resolutely marching back into the city provides a hopeful note that the youth may lead Italy to a better future.

Enduring Classic Is Born
Rome, Open City packs an emotional punch that holds up decades later. It's essential viewing for anyone interested in Italian cinema or World War II stories. This landmark film demonstrates how constraints can breed art and truth. So check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.

Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
Script Options
Theatrical trailer
Poster artwork
Flickchart
Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:

Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
The Film Board
Movies We Like
Sitting in the Dark

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

The Qualities of Jizo Bodhisattva - Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi and Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher