Battlefield

Campo di battaglia

20241h 44m Directed by Gianni Amelio
6.4
(98 votes)
DramaHistoryWar

Overview

These are the years of the First World War and Dr. Stefano Zorzi spends his days in the Exemption Clinic in a large city of Northern Italy, where he not only takes care of soldiers who arrive from the massacre of the front, but also he fights simulation and self-harm of those who hope to be dispensed, by sending them before the Military Court. If Stefano, in fact, does his utmost to heal soldiers and send them back to fight, Dr. Giulio Farradio makes them ill, or helps them to self-injure seriously enough to be exonerated. The two doctors, who went to university together and were great friends, they not only (secretly) challenge each other on a professional level, but also on the sentimental one: they are both linked to Anna, a courageous nurse with a strong character. But when the great ‘Spanish’ fever epidemic arrived in 1918, the time for love, politics and science ends up getting confused dangerously...

Battlefield

A Turbulent Portrait of War and Humanity

Diego Santillán
Diego SantillánOct 1, 2025
The movie "Battlefield" is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the complexities of war, morality, and human relationships during the tumultuous years of World War I. Set in Northern Italy, the film follows the story of Dr. Stefano Zorzi, a dedicated physician working in an Exemption Clinic, where he treats soldiers wounded in battle and navigates the challenges of determining who is fit to return to the front lines. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Dr. Giulio Farradio, a colleague and former friend of Stefano's, who takes a drastically different approach to his work, often helping soldiers to feign illness or self-inflict injuries in order to avoid combat. This contrast between the two doctors sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of the human cost of war and the difficult choices that must be made in the face of overwhelming chaos.

The film's central plot is further complicated by the introduction of Anna, a strong-willed nurse who finds herself at the center of a romantic triangle between the two doctors. As the story progresses, the boundaries between love, politics, and science become increasingly blurred, leading to a dangerous and unpredictable confrontation. The arrival of the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918 serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold, forcing the characters to confront their own mortality and the true cost of their actions. The film's historical context is well-researched and effectively woven into the narrative, providing a rich and immersive backdrop for the story to unfold.

One of the standout aspects of "Battlefield" is its thoughtful and balanced approach to the subject matter. The film avoids simplistic or didactic portrayals of war and instead opts for a more nuanced and multifaceted exploration of the human experience. The performances are strong across the board, with the lead actors delivering convincing and emotionally resonant portrayals of their characters. The film's pacing is well-balanced, moving seamlessly between moments of intense drama and more subdued, introspective scenes. If there is a criticism to be made, it is that the film's themes and plot points may feel somewhat familiar to viewers who have seen other war dramas. However, the film's unique historical context and strong performances help to set it apart from other films in the genre. Overall, "Battlefield" is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that is well worth watching for fans of historical fiction and war movies. With its strong performances, nuanced storytelling, and well-researched historical context, it is a film that will linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits have rolled.

CAST

Alessandro Borghi
Alessandro Borghi
Giulio
Gabriel Montesi
Gabriel Montesi
Stefano
Federica Rosellini
Federica Rosellini
Anna
Giovanni Scotti
Giovanni Scotti
Soldato siciliano
Vince Vivenzio
Soldato napoletano
Alberto Cracco
Alberto Cracco
Padre di Stefano
Luca Lazzareschi
Il Generale
Maria-Grazia Plos
L'Infermiera
Rita Bosello
Donna al cancello
Giuseppe Amelio
Soldato calabrese

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