During the Nazi occupation of Rome, the resistance leader Giorgio Manfredi aka Luigi Ferrari (Marcello Pagliero) is chased by the Gestapo. His friend Francesco (Francesco Grandjacquet),who is going to marry the widow Pina (Anna Magnani),together with the priest Don Pietro Pellegrini (Aldo Frabrizi) help him to get a new identity and leave Rome. However, Manfredi is betrayed by his lover Marina Mari (Maria Michi) and arrested by the Germans.

"Roma, Città Aperta" is among the best movies of the cinema history, but in accordance with IMDb criteria, it is not listed in IMDb Top 250. This masterpiece is a milestone of the Italian Neo-Realism and was filmed by Roberto Rossellini when the economical and social structure of Italy was completely destroyed due to the World War II. Rossellini did not have money even to buy the negatives, which were given by his friends. He used ordinary people and real locations to shot the film, making a very authentic and realistic movie as if it were a documentary, and the negatives were only revealed in the end of the shootings. The Brazilian DVD released by Versatil distributor offers many Extras, including a magnificent documentary about the life of Roberto Rossellini. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Roma, Cidade Aberta" ("Rome, Open City")

Director Roberto Rossellini and other Italian directors did quite a few neo-realistic films (i.e., starring real people in real situations) about the Nazi occupation of Italy (starting in 1943) and most of them are exceptional films. While not among the very best of this genre, it is certainly well worth your time. It is certainly more interesting and better-made than his film Paisan, which I felt was too choppy and had too many lulls, though it never really rises to the level of great films such as Two Women (De Sica) or General della Rovere (also Rossellini). I think a little of the reason these latter two films work better is that they were not hurried into production (Open City came out in 1945) and just seemed more polished and captivating. In addition, the movie, though very interesting and important historically, was a bit sloppy in its depiction of the Nazis. One officer was continually shown wearing a tunic that was sloppy (with the top button open) and he sported a very Italian-looking mustache. While only the most devout movie buffs or historians might know this (or obsessive film freaks like me),it is a small but noticeable detail.

In Nazi occupied Rome, German SS is hunting for engineer Giorgio Manfredi who is a leader of the communist resistance. He escapes looking for fellow fighter Francesco and finds his pregnant fiancée Pina. Catholic priest Don Pietro Pellegrini helps but he's under surveillance.

It's a minor miracle that Roberto Rossellini achieved so much so soon after the end of the war. On the other hand, when Pina points to a bomb damaged building, a bomb probably did damage that building. It is considered a great example of neorealism although he had fewer unreal sets that he could use anyway. The one scene where Pina is chasing after Francesco being arrested is one of the great scenes of cinema. It is dynamic and visceral. One can really feel the action more than most war action scenes of its time.