1 00:00:06,623 --> 00:00:10,365 This film has been made possible by the contribution of the Ministry of Culture, 2 00:00:10,592 --> 00:00:15,065 which recognized this film as a subject of Cultural Interest. 3 00:00:45,824 --> 00:00:48,726 A film by ENZO MONTELEONE 4 00:01:04,831 --> 00:01:09,588 EL ALAMEIN - The Line of Fire 5 00:02:59,999 --> 00:03:00,948 Okay, get off. 6 00:03:17,696 --> 00:03:18,939 Nice here. 7 00:03:22,719 --> 00:03:23,995 Sure is. 8 00:03:24,127 --> 00:03:25,436 What are you doing? 9 00:03:27,679 --> 00:03:31,225 You never know, might find something. 10 00:03:38,559 --> 00:03:41,975 If I'm lucky, this backwash will be enough to get back. 11 00:03:42,047 --> 00:03:43,324 How much longer? 12 00:03:44,447 --> 00:03:45,821 Are you in a hurry? 13 00:03:48,959 --> 00:03:50,104 We're almost there. 14 00:04:31,391 --> 00:04:34,653 Egypt - October 1942 15 00:04:35,743 --> 00:04:37,085 This is it. 16 00:04:38,015 --> 00:04:39,160 You're here. 17 00:04:41,759 --> 00:04:42,937 Report over there. 18 00:04:44,512 --> 00:04:46,683 Okay, thanks. 19 00:04:49,215 --> 00:04:51,189 Is that good water from El Daba? 20 00:04:51,263 --> 00:04:54,973 - Yes, a two-liter canteen. - Don't let them steal it. 21 00:05:29,951 --> 00:05:32,766 Pvt. Serra, reporting. I just got here. 22 00:05:33,887 --> 00:05:35,032 I've been posted here. 23 00:05:38,175 --> 00:05:39,352 Lt. Fiore. 24 00:05:41,567 --> 00:05:43,771 - Are you alone? - What do you mean, sir? 25 00:05:44,159 --> 00:05:47,290 I asked for substitutes, I expected at least 10 men. 26 00:05:47,359 --> 00:05:49,182 - Are you alone? - Yes, sir. 27 00:05:54,559 --> 00:05:55,901 Are you an urban vigilante? 28 00:05:57,375 --> 00:05:59,284 I'm a University Volunteer. 29 00:06:00,352 --> 00:06:02,588 I know what it stands for. It was a joke. 30 00:06:05,407 --> 00:06:06,421 What do you study? 31 00:06:06,495 --> 00:06:08,830 Literature and philosophy, third year. 32 00:06:08,895 --> 00:06:10,072 Why didn't you finish? 33 00:06:10,143 --> 00:06:14,616 I heard soldiers were needed on the front, I'd be a coward not to go. 34 00:06:15,231 --> 00:06:18,362 They said they'd send us to Africa, so I signed up. 35 00:06:19,999 --> 00:06:22,039 - Where are you from? - Palermo. 36 00:06:23,327 --> 00:06:24,472 What's being said in Italy? 37 00:06:24,831 --> 00:06:28,661 We'll arrive in Alexandria and drive the British out of Egypt. 38 00:06:33,471 --> 00:06:34,965 How's the weather there? 39 00:06:37,823 --> 00:06:42,078 Fall has begun, but we're still swimming in Palermo. 40 00:06:46,175 --> 00:06:47,801 - Is that good water? - Yes. 41 00:06:47,871 --> 00:06:48,853 Let me have a sip. 42 00:06:52,319 --> 00:06:53,366 Come on. 43 00:07:11,807 --> 00:07:12,887 Good. 44 00:07:13,567 --> 00:07:15,225 Sorry, water's an issue here. 45 00:07:17,631 --> 00:07:20,020 You'll join S. Sgt. Rizzo's Unit. 46 00:07:20,095 --> 00:07:21,109 Corporal. 47 00:07:23,199 --> 00:07:25,403 Take our student to Rizzo. 48 00:07:27,743 --> 00:07:30,460 Serra, some advice: 49 00:07:31,200 --> 00:07:33,371 Take off that patch. It's useless here. 50 00:07:34,111 --> 00:07:35,289 Yes, sir. 51 00:07:43,807 --> 00:07:45,880 Why did he tell me to remove it? 52 00:07:47,359 --> 00:07:49,781 Some people have been in Africa for two years now. 53 00:07:50,623 --> 00:07:53,972 They've earned repatriation, but can't get back home. 54 00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:58,548 When they see someone who could have stayed home... 55 00:07:58,623 --> 00:08:00,379 but decided to volunteer... 56 00:08:01,631 --> 00:08:03,453 they get ticked off. 57 00:08:30,335 --> 00:08:31,415 What was that? 58 00:08:32,927 --> 00:08:34,683 British 88's. 59 00:08:35,423 --> 00:08:37,397 They always shoot four at a time... 60 00:08:37,471 --> 00:08:41,213 but the ones that hit you sound different. 61 00:08:41,983 --> 00:08:43,925 It's the first thing you need to know. 62 00:08:44,447 --> 00:08:47,065 If you want to get out alive, perk up your ears. 63 00:08:51,519 --> 00:08:52,763 Give me some of your water. 64 00:09:08,063 --> 00:09:09,175 Excuse me... 65 00:09:09,407 --> 00:09:11,611 I haven't had real water in so long. 66 00:09:14,431 --> 00:09:16,569 Get down, this'll hit us! 67 00:09:29,727 --> 00:09:30,971 Corporal! 68 00:09:54,239 --> 00:09:56,628 Who are you? What happened? 69 00:09:57,151 --> 00:10:00,948 Pvt. Serra. I have to join Sergeant Rizzo's Unit. 70 00:10:01,503 --> 00:10:05,660 They shot at me and the Corporal, but I can't find him anymore. 71 00:10:06,303 --> 00:10:09,565 I'm Rizzo. De Vita and Spagna. 72 00:10:10,879 --> 00:10:15,035 - Who was the Corporal? - Part of the command company. 73 00:10:20,191 --> 00:10:21,914 Boys, take a look around. 74 00:10:28,191 --> 00:10:29,336 I found this. 75 00:10:35,935 --> 00:10:38,585 He became sand. It happens. 76 00:10:39,391 --> 00:10:40,373 We'll report it. 77 00:10:40,447 --> 00:10:42,334 You used up your first miracle. 78 00:10:42,527 --> 00:10:44,666 Just got here and already used up a miracle. 79 00:10:44,735 --> 00:10:45,683 What miracle? 80 00:10:45,759 --> 00:10:46,904 That's enough. Let's go. 81 00:10:49,375 --> 00:10:50,935 - Is that good water? - Yes. 82 00:11:38,719 --> 00:11:39,734 Stay low. 83 00:12:16,063 --> 00:12:18,998 Set yourself up there, a guy from Padua used to be here... 84 00:12:19,071 --> 00:12:22,137 he got hit by a grenade splinter. It literally pierced his stomach. 85 00:12:22,495 --> 00:12:24,666 - Is he dead? - The war is over for him. 86 00:12:25,055 --> 00:12:29,179 He's in a hospital in Bengasi. They will send him home soon. 87 00:12:30,175 --> 00:12:31,549 Come, I'll brief you. 88 00:12:35,839 --> 00:12:39,254 To the right, the Qattara Depression. 89 00:12:40,031 --> 00:12:41,274 Not much to worry about. 90 00:12:42,271 --> 00:12:46,297 There's a minefield past the barbed wire, then no man's land. 91 00:12:47,423 --> 00:12:50,805 The British are over there, you can't see them. 92 00:12:52,063 --> 00:12:55,805 But they see us clearly and send their 88's here. 93 00:12:57,054 --> 00:12:59,902 Keep low during the day, we move at night. 94 00:13:01,183 --> 00:13:02,296 Our artillery? 95 00:13:02,654 --> 00:13:07,062 The remaining cannons are in the north. 96 00:13:08,031 --> 00:13:12,504 We're in the south sector, abandoned by God. 97 00:13:13,695 --> 00:13:16,150 First rule: Keep your head low. 98 00:13:16,862 --> 00:13:20,791 Second: If you get dysentery don't report sick, we all have it. 99 00:13:21,023 --> 00:13:21,971 Just cope with it. 100 00:13:22,495 --> 00:13:24,917 Third: Vipers and scorpions. 101 00:13:25,311 --> 00:13:27,700 Watch where you put your hands and when you put on your shoes... 102 00:13:27,774 --> 00:13:30,458 because scorpions look for warm places at night. 103 00:13:31,806 --> 00:13:33,562 A quarter liter of water a day. 104 00:13:33,630 --> 00:13:36,151 If you're used to washing up, learn how to do it with sand. 105 00:13:36,927 --> 00:13:39,894 Rations arrive after dusk, but often don't show up. 106 00:13:39,967 --> 00:13:42,356 You'll have to make do with canned goods and biscuits. 107 00:13:43,230 --> 00:13:47,027 Cigarettes in abundance, but matches are scarce. 108 00:13:48,415 --> 00:13:50,782 - Got that? - Yes. 109 00:13:51,166 --> 00:13:52,246 Any questions? 110 00:13:52,543 --> 00:13:55,706 - The mail? - On and off. 111 00:14:13,919 --> 00:14:15,926 Beloved Mom, Dear Father... 112 00:14:17,375 --> 00:14:19,230 I've finally arrived on the front line. 113 00:14:20,959 --> 00:14:24,058 My unit is posted in the southernmost point of the front... 114 00:14:24,639 --> 00:14:26,330 near the Qattara Depression. 115 00:14:27,583 --> 00:14:31,358 I'm the youngest. The others are veterans of Africa. 116 00:14:33,599 --> 00:14:36,152 Everything is empty, immense. 117 00:14:37,375 --> 00:14:39,262 I've yet to see real war. 118 00:14:41,119 --> 00:14:44,534 It's not what I expected. I imagined something else: 119 00:14:44,863 --> 00:14:47,645 Clashes, battles, gunfights. 120 00:14:49,087 --> 00:14:52,185 Our real enemies now are thirst and dysentery. 121 00:14:54,303 --> 00:14:55,547 We must be careful... 122 00:14:55,934 --> 00:15:00,277 because we can die suddenly, unexpectedly... 123 00:15:00,734 --> 00:15:02,360 without ever seeing the enemy. 124 00:15:03,422 --> 00:15:07,197 I hope I'll distinguish myself and make you proud of me. 125 00:15:22,462 --> 00:15:24,917 Spagna, where the fuck are you? 126 00:15:46,847 --> 00:15:48,341 - Everything okay? - Yes, Lieutenant. 127 00:15:59,294 --> 00:16:01,978 If that had hit our pit, goodbye homeland. 128 00:16:05,631 --> 00:16:07,387 - Lieutenant. - How's it going? 129 00:16:07,455 --> 00:16:08,403 Fine. 130 00:16:09,279 --> 00:16:10,904 Well, they keep getting closer. 131 00:16:10,974 --> 00:16:15,197 Lieutenant, two wounded in the connection zone. 132 00:16:15,262 --> 00:16:17,466 - Hit by 88's? - No, by a sniper. 133 00:16:17,919 --> 00:16:19,413 What? 134 00:16:22,207 --> 00:16:23,221 Let's go. 135 00:16:25,566 --> 00:16:26,908 What happened? 136 00:16:26,975 --> 00:16:31,383 The two linemen were adjusting the telephone cables... 137 00:16:31,455 --> 00:16:33,309 and they were shot by a sniper. 138 00:16:33,375 --> 00:16:35,796 - How did he get there? - We don't know. 139 00:16:36,030 --> 00:16:38,201 He must have arrived last night. He wasn't there yesterday. 140 00:16:46,111 --> 00:16:47,355 Stretcher bearers! 141 00:16:50,303 --> 00:16:53,466 - Where is he? - Perhaps behind those wrecks. 142 00:16:57,375 --> 00:16:58,618 Lieutenant, sir. 143 00:17:00,094 --> 00:17:02,582 - Do you feel like going? - Yes. 144 00:17:04,798 --> 00:17:08,661 Be careful. He may disregard your armbands. 145 00:17:09,407 --> 00:17:10,487 We'll go anyway. 146 00:17:19,934 --> 00:17:22,781 Run! Hide! 147 00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:26,679 He got him. 148 00:17:28,255 --> 00:17:31,321 Did you see where he's shooting from? 149 00:17:31,391 --> 00:17:34,206 I saw a spark from behind that truck. 150 00:17:35,166 --> 00:17:36,115 Are you sure? 151 00:17:36,191 --> 00:17:38,580 - Yes. I saw him clearly. - We need the mortar. 152 00:17:38,719 --> 00:17:40,857 - Who'll go call Tarozzi? - Me. 153 00:17:41,982 --> 00:17:44,852 Go to the command post, get him, and bring him here. 154 00:17:44,958 --> 00:17:46,551 He needs to bring his 81, hurry. 155 00:17:48,286 --> 00:17:49,715 Stay low and always run for cover! 156 00:18:06,686 --> 00:18:08,988 - Where's Tarozzi? - Over there. 157 00:18:13,758 --> 00:18:15,831 - Who's Tarozzi? - Me. 158 00:18:15,903 --> 00:18:18,292 Lt. Fiore needs you, hurry. 159 00:18:29,278 --> 00:18:30,740 You called for me? 160 00:18:32,414 --> 00:18:34,105 Set up the mortar. 161 00:18:42,783 --> 00:18:44,823 - Ready. - Come here. 162 00:18:47,870 --> 00:18:50,358 - See that wreck? - Yes. 163 00:18:51,006 --> 00:18:54,323 There's a sniper in there, blow it to pieces. 164 00:18:55,359 --> 00:18:56,536 Yes, sir. 165 00:19:08,734 --> 00:19:09,683 Cover! 166 00:19:31,647 --> 00:19:32,629 You son of a bitch! 167 00:19:34,558 --> 00:19:36,631 Go to hell! 168 00:19:37,790 --> 00:19:39,252 Don't shoot! 169 00:19:39,518 --> 00:19:43,195 Damn you! To hell! 170 00:19:43,263 --> 00:19:45,434 Don't waste ammunition! 171 00:19:46,143 --> 00:19:47,091 Bastards! 172 00:19:50,046 --> 00:19:51,453 Listen... 173 00:19:53,375 --> 00:19:55,895 shall we blow up this son of a bitch? 174 00:19:55,966 --> 00:19:56,948 Yes, sir. 175 00:19:58,558 --> 00:20:01,046 - See what he did to our boys? - Yes, sir. 176 00:20:03,198 --> 00:20:06,875 Then concentrate and send him straight to hell. 177 00:20:06,942 --> 00:20:08,120 Got it? 178 00:20:08,318 --> 00:20:10,740 I'll get him, I swear. 179 00:20:24,030 --> 00:20:25,012 Cover! 180 00:20:38,462 --> 00:20:41,910 Get the wounded man and take him to the infirmary. 181 00:20:42,174 --> 00:20:44,378 Fix the cables. Good job, Tarozzi. 182 00:20:46,271 --> 00:20:47,318 Let's go. 183 00:20:50,879 --> 00:20:52,308 You're a champ. 184 00:21:21,695 --> 00:21:23,124 What a sight. 185 00:21:25,470 --> 00:21:27,161 They remind me of my town's fireworks. 186 00:21:36,542 --> 00:21:38,452 The rations arrived today. 187 00:21:41,374 --> 00:21:43,381 Tasty sand and rice mush. 188 00:21:50,942 --> 00:21:53,692 Know why rations arrive at night? 189 00:21:54,462 --> 00:21:56,469 So we can't see all the flies in the food. 190 00:22:00,990 --> 00:22:02,485 When do you think we'll attack? 191 00:22:03,614 --> 00:22:06,516 When will we get to Alexandria, to Cairo? 192 00:22:07,775 --> 00:22:09,368 Maybe you don't get it. 193 00:22:10,462 --> 00:22:12,763 We've been here four months and haven't advanced a meter. 194 00:22:13,950 --> 00:22:18,358 Cairo, the pyramids, we can forget about them. 195 00:22:20,446 --> 00:22:22,715 You've become an expert on military strategies? 196 00:22:23,487 --> 00:22:24,566 It's common sense. 197 00:22:25,214 --> 00:22:28,181 Our provisions are in Libya, Bengasi and Derna. 198 00:22:29,598 --> 00:22:31,541 That's 1,000 kilometers from here. 199 00:22:33,182 --> 00:22:37,492 We're far from everything that's why nothing arrives on the front line. 200 00:22:38,654 --> 00:22:40,410 But the British bases are nearby. 201 00:22:41,822 --> 00:22:43,578 They switch off every 15 days. 202 00:22:45,086 --> 00:22:46,941 They take leave and go have fun. 203 00:22:47,582 --> 00:22:49,754 Rommel isn't just any guy... 204 00:22:50,879 --> 00:22:52,733 he whipped the British pretty badly. 205 00:22:53,374 --> 00:22:55,741 If he made it this far, why can't he advance some more? 206 00:22:56,158 --> 00:22:58,362 If he stopped, something must have happened. 207 00:22:59,742 --> 00:23:03,452 Supplies and ammunition haven't arrived. 208 00:23:03,614 --> 00:23:06,331 Gas hasn't arrived and neither has water. 209 00:23:09,598 --> 00:23:11,453 I think the British will attack soon. 210 00:23:12,414 --> 00:23:14,356 Even if they do, they won't get through here. 211 00:23:15,198 --> 00:23:18,613 They won't kick us out. 212 00:23:20,286 --> 00:23:21,431 We're like boulders: 213 00:23:22,398 --> 00:23:25,115 Firm, solid, immovable... 214 00:23:26,174 --> 00:23:27,287 neither forward... 215 00:23:28,446 --> 00:23:29,428 nor backward. 216 00:23:35,550 --> 00:23:38,201 - Sergeant, what do you think? - That you talk too much. 217 00:23:39,102 --> 00:23:42,812 Once you start thinking, you're dead. 218 00:23:44,222 --> 00:23:46,491 Just do as you're told. 219 00:23:47,614 --> 00:23:48,825 And if I have to die... 220 00:23:52,094 --> 00:23:53,141 I'll die. 221 00:23:54,302 --> 00:23:58,044 I'm sure of one thing: That I won't surrender. 222 00:23:58,558 --> 00:24:00,184 They won't take me... 223 00:24:02,302 --> 00:24:05,052 not alive. 224 00:24:10,911 --> 00:24:12,339 What is it? 225 00:24:12,414 --> 00:24:15,731 A British truck. It drove over a mine. 226 00:24:15,806 --> 00:24:17,629 - Let's go. - Where? 227 00:24:17,694 --> 00:24:18,904 To do some shopping. 228 00:24:58,302 --> 00:25:01,085 There are mines here. 229 00:25:01,502 --> 00:25:03,476 Stay in line behind me. 230 00:25:06,078 --> 00:25:08,151 I don't want to have to scrape you off the ground. 231 00:25:37,118 --> 00:25:39,801 - Sergeant. - What? 232 00:25:42,718 --> 00:25:44,028 I stepped on something. 233 00:25:45,630 --> 00:25:46,612 Don't move. 234 00:25:49,214 --> 00:25:50,294 Stay still. 235 00:26:20,862 --> 00:26:22,106 You lucked out. 236 00:26:23,134 --> 00:26:24,214 Move. 237 00:26:25,310 --> 00:26:26,292 Slowly. 238 00:26:28,126 --> 00:26:32,217 It's an anti-tank mine. They're calibrated for 300 kilos. 239 00:26:35,550 --> 00:26:37,459 If it was an anti-personnel mine, you'd be gone. 240 00:26:39,166 --> 00:26:40,627 Christ, be careful. 241 00:26:45,373 --> 00:26:47,316 You used up your second miracle. 242 00:26:47,582 --> 00:26:48,531 Damn. 243 00:27:06,462 --> 00:27:07,923 What do we have here? 244 00:27:23,518 --> 00:27:24,598 Look. 245 00:27:28,830 --> 00:27:30,837 These British have it all. 246 00:27:31,326 --> 00:27:33,628 Chocolate, whiskey, jam... 247 00:27:33,918 --> 00:27:36,952 Everything, even canned fruit. 248 00:28:02,142 --> 00:28:05,142 Sergeant, he's alive! 249 00:28:05,982 --> 00:28:07,159 What'll we do? 250 00:28:07,486 --> 00:28:10,966 The British will come get him, they'll handle it. 251 00:28:11,134 --> 00:28:12,344 Let's hurry up. 252 00:28:13,949 --> 00:28:15,608 Come on, let's go. 253 00:28:16,062 --> 00:28:18,266 Serra, move it. 254 00:28:40,990 --> 00:28:42,004 Good stuff. 255 00:28:45,918 --> 00:28:46,900 Want some? 256 00:28:47,197 --> 00:28:48,277 British vitamins. 257 00:28:56,478 --> 00:28:57,907 All this talk about miracles... 258 00:29:00,285 --> 00:29:01,300 what is it? 259 00:29:05,885 --> 00:29:06,867 Look at this. 260 00:29:09,214 --> 00:29:10,294 It was on my head. 261 00:29:12,702 --> 00:29:15,288 A bullet entered here and exited here. 262 00:29:16,701 --> 00:29:18,010 I could have died. 263 00:29:19,870 --> 00:29:20,983 But I didn't... 264 00:29:22,205 --> 00:29:23,220 I felt... 265 00:29:25,502 --> 00:29:26,614 a breeze through my hair. 266 00:29:28,862 --> 00:29:30,040 What would you call that? 267 00:29:32,862 --> 00:29:34,684 When you step on a mine that doesn't explode... 268 00:29:36,190 --> 00:29:38,579 grenade splinters hit the pit... 269 00:29:39,454 --> 00:29:40,664 and the guy next to you dies... 270 00:29:42,910 --> 00:29:44,252 these are miracles. 271 00:29:51,326 --> 00:29:55,636 The Corporal turned to sand, you didn't even get a scratch. 272 00:29:57,054 --> 00:29:58,647 That was your first miracle. 273 00:30:00,861 --> 00:30:03,796 Here, we are each allotted three miracles. 274 00:30:05,982 --> 00:30:07,804 You've only got one left. 275 00:30:09,405 --> 00:30:11,129 Afterwards all you can do is pray. 276 00:30:13,566 --> 00:30:17,494 And you, how many do you have left? 277 00:30:22,974 --> 00:30:24,861 We used them up long ago. 278 00:30:25,565 --> 00:30:27,158 Don't worry... 279 00:30:28,382 --> 00:30:30,749 if you're going to die, it shows the day before. 280 00:30:32,158 --> 00:30:33,499 How can you tell? 281 00:30:34,046 --> 00:30:37,429 Your nose becomes thin and long... 282 00:30:39,294 --> 00:30:43,255 and your ears, transparent like tissue paper. 283 00:30:46,718 --> 00:30:47,928 You're pulling my leg, right? 284 00:31:15,166 --> 00:31:16,573 Good morning, Lieutenant. 285 00:31:18,077 --> 00:31:20,412 - What have you got there? - Where are we? 286 00:31:21,694 --> 00:31:25,850 - Naqb Rala, south sector, why? - I knew I'd get lost. Damn! 287 00:31:26,301 --> 00:31:30,196 These trails are all alike, nothing but fucking sand. 288 00:31:31,134 --> 00:31:34,483 - These aren't supply trucks? - No, special transport. 289 00:31:34,878 --> 00:31:36,220 I'm supposed to go to El Daba... 290 00:31:36,286 --> 00:31:38,326 but I had to change route because of a bombardment. 291 00:31:38,622 --> 00:31:41,753 El Daba is on the northern coast, at least 80 kilometers away. 292 00:31:45,214 --> 00:31:48,280 - It's full of shoe polish. - What? 293 00:31:51,773 --> 00:31:54,042 For the parade, when we reach Alexandria. 294 00:31:57,150 --> 00:31:58,394 What's in this truck? 295 00:31:58,589 --> 00:32:02,386 A horse. Mussolini's, for the parade. 296 00:32:03,070 --> 00:32:04,663 We could roast it with potatoes. 297 00:32:05,438 --> 00:32:08,504 You can't touch it, I have to bring it back. 298 00:32:08,893 --> 00:32:10,835 Then say the British took it as a prisoner. 299 00:32:12,541 --> 00:32:14,581 Do something, you tell them. 300 00:32:15,902 --> 00:32:19,197 You keep this. I'm confiscating the horse. 301 00:32:19,261 --> 00:32:22,196 - Pull it out. - You can't, it's Mussolini's horse. 302 00:32:22,270 --> 00:32:24,637 If anything happens, they'll shoot me. 303 00:32:25,406 --> 00:32:28,821 Bullshit. Tell them I took it, they can come to me. 304 00:32:29,373 --> 00:32:30,486 Open up. 305 00:32:57,790 --> 00:32:59,699 It really is Mussolini's personal horse... 306 00:33:00,062 --> 00:33:01,174 I swear. 307 00:33:02,621 --> 00:33:04,148 You don't get it. 308 00:33:06,141 --> 00:33:10,265 Tell Mussolini we've been eating sand and drinking piss for months. 309 00:33:10,589 --> 00:33:13,491 If he wants to march in Alexandria with his horse and shiny boots... 310 00:33:14,077 --> 00:33:16,565 he's got to send us arms, uniforms... 311 00:33:16,638 --> 00:33:21,395 water, shoes, food, medicine, and fresh troops to replace us. 312 00:33:22,429 --> 00:33:25,179 He has to send the air force to bomb the British. 313 00:33:27,486 --> 00:33:30,649 Forget about shoe shines. 314 00:33:31,230 --> 00:33:32,277 Got it? 315 00:33:38,622 --> 00:33:39,702 Who's going to kill it? 316 00:33:43,166 --> 00:33:44,246 Who's going to kill it? 317 00:33:54,014 --> 00:33:57,810 Sorry, you're a beauty but we're in bad shape. 318 00:34:22,014 --> 00:34:25,461 Take it, get lost. 319 00:35:01,501 --> 00:35:05,243 Beloved Mom, Dear Father, today we're moving. 320 00:35:05,757 --> 00:35:09,652 The Lieutenant is sending us behind the front to get bins of water. 321 00:35:10,174 --> 00:35:12,595 After weeks of being stuck in the pits... 322 00:35:12,669 --> 00:35:15,058 riding in the desert tastes like freedom. 323 00:35:16,701 --> 00:35:18,359 We seem to smell the sea. 324 00:35:18,973 --> 00:35:21,209 It's 60 kilometers away... 325 00:35:21,950 --> 00:35:23,990 but for us, it's more unreachable than a mirage. 326 00:35:26,653 --> 00:35:28,628 The names here are straight out of The Arabian Nights: 327 00:35:29,310 --> 00:35:32,376 Camel Plains, Dove Hills... 328 00:35:32,925 --> 00:35:34,387 Gazelle Cliff. 329 00:35:35,165 --> 00:35:39,475 But they are mere dots on the map that only the Bedouins can recognize. 330 00:35:42,845 --> 00:35:45,780 - Are we lost? - No. 331 00:35:46,685 --> 00:35:47,962 Know where we are? 332 00:35:48,029 --> 00:35:49,207 More or less. 333 00:35:50,750 --> 00:35:51,928 It's all the same here... 334 00:35:53,309 --> 00:35:54,586 even the names... 335 00:35:55,069 --> 00:35:57,917 Qaret el Khadim, Qattaret el Diyura... 336 00:35:58,301 --> 00:36:01,530 Qaret el Yidma. All the same. 337 00:36:02,366 --> 00:36:06,741 They said there were palm trees, but I don't see any. 338 00:36:07,678 --> 00:36:11,420 We should be near, try that way. 339 00:36:23,101 --> 00:36:24,792 There they are. 340 00:36:51,901 --> 00:36:52,916 No one's here. 341 00:37:06,653 --> 00:37:10,133 - Are you from the Pavia Division? - Yes, that's us. 342 00:37:11,101 --> 00:37:12,311 I thought you got lost. 343 00:37:16,317 --> 00:37:18,325 It's all yours. 344 00:37:34,717 --> 00:37:36,212 Tastes like diesel! 345 00:37:36,861 --> 00:37:39,708 Tanks we stole from the Germans. 346 00:37:39,773 --> 00:37:41,683 We have to drink diesel-tainted water? 347 00:37:42,525 --> 00:37:44,412 You should thank God I brought them. 348 00:37:44,990 --> 00:37:46,899 How long since you've gotten a water supply? 349 00:37:48,637 --> 00:37:50,492 Seems you're not doing well. 350 00:37:50,813 --> 00:37:54,228 We can't drink this water, we're not animals! 351 00:37:54,461 --> 00:37:56,436 Enough, let's unload it. 352 00:38:05,565 --> 00:38:07,158 All wasted water. 353 00:38:07,870 --> 00:38:10,455 Know how many I've transported through this desert? 354 00:38:11,262 --> 00:38:14,196 Thousands of tanks, and what for? 355 00:38:15,261 --> 00:38:17,465 To rinse the generals' underwear. 356 00:38:18,205 --> 00:38:21,653 Then they complain we don't move forward or backward. 357 00:38:22,526 --> 00:38:23,540 Bullshit! 358 00:38:24,189 --> 00:38:25,618 I've got a solution. 359 00:38:26,397 --> 00:38:27,379 What? 360 00:38:27,549 --> 00:38:30,811 If I transported grappa... 361 00:38:30,877 --> 00:38:32,786 we'd be at the pyramids by now. 362 00:38:33,181 --> 00:38:35,702 In WWI, we Italians along the Piave River... 363 00:38:36,157 --> 00:38:39,386 were all drunk, otherwise, like hell would we have won. 364 00:38:40,189 --> 00:38:42,011 I feel generous today. 365 00:38:47,069 --> 00:38:50,069 Drink, men are supposed to drink wine. 366 00:38:50,941 --> 00:38:53,691 Use the water for the truck radiators. 367 00:39:01,053 --> 00:39:02,679 Spagna, how long since you've had a bath? 368 00:39:04,701 --> 00:39:05,749 Do I smell? 369 00:39:05,821 --> 00:39:07,861 Sure, we all stink! 370 00:39:07,933 --> 00:39:09,177 I asked because... 371 00:39:10,141 --> 00:39:12,213 about 40 kilometers from here... 372 00:39:13,277 --> 00:39:14,389 is the sea. 373 00:39:15,549 --> 00:39:19,378 - How would you feel about a swim? - Are you crazy? 374 00:39:20,285 --> 00:39:24,082 - We'll dive in and leave. - Then they'll court-martial us all. 375 00:39:24,733 --> 00:39:27,450 Let's vote. Shall we go or not? 376 00:39:29,053 --> 00:39:30,133 Let's go. 377 00:39:31,069 --> 00:39:33,240 - Shall we go? - Yes! 378 00:39:33,725 --> 00:39:36,026 Sure, fuck it! 379 00:42:20,637 --> 00:42:22,263 Why don't we stay here? 380 00:42:23,581 --> 00:42:25,970 We'll hide away and wait here for the end of the war. 381 00:42:30,461 --> 00:42:32,566 Hey, what are you doing? 382 00:42:32,829 --> 00:42:34,204 Who are you? 383 00:42:34,813 --> 00:42:38,358 Pavia Division, we're on a mission. 384 00:42:38,621 --> 00:42:42,003 That's a mined area. Get out of there! 385 00:43:00,093 --> 00:43:03,475 Sergeant, is what they say true? 386 00:43:05,565 --> 00:43:06,678 What do they say? 387 00:43:07,517 --> 00:43:11,259 That the British took you as prisoner and you managed to flee. 388 00:43:15,773 --> 00:43:17,562 They caught me when Bengasi fell. 389 00:43:19,932 --> 00:43:23,281 They brought us to a POW camp in Egypt. 390 00:43:24,509 --> 00:43:25,938 Some were glad... 391 00:43:26,941 --> 00:43:30,422 because they figured the war was over for them. 392 00:43:32,412 --> 00:43:35,828 Being a prisoner is horrible for a soldier. 393 00:43:38,237 --> 00:43:39,382 It's humiliating... 394 00:43:41,373 --> 00:43:42,900 it's a non-life. 395 00:43:45,597 --> 00:43:48,347 A soldier's duty is to fight, a prisoner's is to flee. 396 00:43:48,413 --> 00:43:51,195 I didn't want to rot away in Kenya or India. 397 00:43:53,437 --> 00:43:55,858 I managed to go back to Bengasi. 398 00:43:57,821 --> 00:43:58,836 The British were still there. 399 00:43:59,069 --> 00:44:02,484 For three months I hid out at a friend's place... 400 00:44:03,901 --> 00:44:04,915 in a brothel. 401 00:44:08,253 --> 00:44:09,944 It was the best time of my life. 402 00:44:12,124 --> 00:44:15,540 Then when we liberated Bengasi... 403 00:44:15,837 --> 00:44:17,146 I went back to my troop. 404 00:44:17,821 --> 00:44:19,992 - How long have you been in Africa? - Two years. 405 00:44:20,637 --> 00:44:22,492 - You never went back to Italy? - No. 406 00:44:27,997 --> 00:44:32,023 This is a cursed place. You boil in the day, and freeze at night. 407 00:44:36,157 --> 00:44:37,684 But what a sky. 408 00:44:38,908 --> 00:44:40,851 I'd never seen a sky like this. 409 00:44:46,205 --> 00:44:47,732 The desert plays with you... 410 00:44:49,949 --> 00:44:51,891 makes you think strange things. 411 00:44:55,453 --> 00:44:56,914 I'm sure of one thing. 412 00:44:57,981 --> 00:44:58,929 When we go home... 413 00:45:00,285 --> 00:45:02,423 if we save our hides... 414 00:45:04,861 --> 00:45:07,283 we'll miss this wretched place. 415 00:45:09,020 --> 00:45:12,250 The minefields, the sand, the pits... 416 00:45:15,549 --> 00:45:16,628 Everything. 417 00:45:20,669 --> 00:45:22,458 We'll miss hunger and thirst. 418 00:46:37,692 --> 00:46:42,035 - It's cooked. - A brush of oil and rosemary. 419 00:46:45,565 --> 00:46:47,572 Lieutenant, want some? 420 00:46:47,900 --> 00:46:49,526 Fire up two steaks! 421 00:46:49,885 --> 00:46:52,186 - What is this stuff? - Camel steaks. 422 00:46:52,573 --> 00:46:55,158 - Where did they come from? - Serra did it. 423 00:46:59,324 --> 00:47:00,469 Wait. 424 00:47:00,925 --> 00:47:02,387 What does that mean? 425 00:47:03,516 --> 00:47:06,582 - Weren't you on lookout today? - Yes, sir. 426 00:47:08,220 --> 00:47:11,254 Tell me exactly where you found the camel. 427 00:47:11,644 --> 00:47:12,953 Right in front of me. 428 00:47:13,405 --> 00:47:16,918 - At the lookout point? - Yes, near there. 429 00:47:17,245 --> 00:47:18,260 Christ. 430 00:47:19,388 --> 00:47:20,915 Show me. 431 00:47:30,109 --> 00:47:31,931 - Here? - There, see the blood? 432 00:47:38,973 --> 00:47:41,307 - How was it killed? - I shot it. 433 00:47:43,228 --> 00:47:45,203 Isn't this supposed to be a mined area? 434 00:47:45,533 --> 00:47:46,645 I believe so. 435 00:47:47,197 --> 00:47:50,710 How did the camel get here without blowing up? 436 00:47:50,973 --> 00:47:51,987 I don't know. 437 00:47:52,924 --> 00:47:55,313 The camel didn't come here by chance. 438 00:47:55,389 --> 00:47:57,844 The British sent it into the minefield. 439 00:47:57,917 --> 00:48:02,194 If it doesn't blow up, that means it's safe. 440 00:48:05,052 --> 00:48:06,459 We have to check the area. 441 00:48:28,733 --> 00:48:29,878 What's the situation? 442 00:48:30,620 --> 00:48:32,082 It's all de-mined here. 443 00:48:32,317 --> 00:48:35,219 There's a clear path of at least five meters here. 444 00:48:35,676 --> 00:48:38,098 - Can you close the gap? - We'll try. 445 00:48:52,061 --> 00:48:54,100 Any news from command? 446 00:48:54,780 --> 00:48:56,635 We've been cut off, we know nothing. 447 00:48:57,852 --> 00:49:00,667 They say the British are preparing an attack. 448 00:49:01,084 --> 00:49:02,197 It's a matter of days. 449 00:49:02,269 --> 00:49:03,610 They're waiting for the full moon. 450 00:49:04,349 --> 00:49:06,356 This time, it'll be a major attack. 451 00:49:07,804 --> 00:49:11,863 We keep finding de-mined areas along the front. 452 00:49:14,557 --> 00:49:17,459 - Which sector will they attack? - They say to be on guard. 453 00:49:18,237 --> 00:49:20,887 They saw heavy movement of vehicles and troops. 454 00:49:22,204 --> 00:49:24,822 Our command is moving the Ariete tanks toward the north. 455 00:49:27,068 --> 00:49:29,010 But that'll leave our rear uncovered. 456 00:49:29,565 --> 00:49:31,703 If they attack with tanks, how will we stop them? 457 00:49:32,220 --> 00:49:33,682 That's what I heard. 458 00:49:34,492 --> 00:49:36,183 Call us if you need us. 459 00:49:36,381 --> 00:49:37,363 Thanks. 460 00:50:38,333 --> 00:50:39,827 You called for me, sir? 461 00:50:40,509 --> 00:50:42,745 Rizzo, sit down. 462 00:50:48,381 --> 00:50:49,591 This arrived. 463 00:50:51,196 --> 00:50:52,625 We're on general alert. 464 00:50:53,949 --> 00:50:55,509 After that de-mined area... 465 00:50:55,613 --> 00:50:58,929 they asked me to send a unit to check the Depression. 466 00:51:00,028 --> 00:51:01,305 The Depression? 467 00:51:02,620 --> 00:51:06,482 They want to be sure the enemy won't attack through the Depression. 468 00:51:07,837 --> 00:51:09,495 That's impossible. 469 00:51:10,525 --> 00:51:13,721 The Depression is impassable, even for Bedouins. 470 00:51:13,949 --> 00:51:18,356 It says here to send some men to verify. 471 00:51:18,813 --> 00:51:21,977 You must find out what happened to the Bersaglieri Unit... 472 00:51:22,684 --> 00:51:24,627 which was posted on look-out. 473 00:51:24,861 --> 00:51:27,643 They haven't reported back in days. Got it? 474 00:51:29,084 --> 00:51:30,197 Good. 475 00:51:30,685 --> 00:51:32,823 Get one of your men and leave right away. 476 00:51:34,556 --> 00:51:35,702 All right. 477 00:51:39,996 --> 00:51:43,291 - If we encounter the enemy? - Leave immediately. 478 00:51:44,444 --> 00:51:46,386 Units are only useful if they return. 479 00:51:48,444 --> 00:51:50,168 Yes, Lieutenant. 480 00:51:52,924 --> 00:51:54,233 Good luck. 481 00:53:05,340 --> 00:53:06,617 Know why I chose you? 482 00:53:07,804 --> 00:53:11,120 Because you're the youngest, you're a volunteer... 483 00:53:12,252 --> 00:53:13,812 and the last to arrive. 484 00:53:30,652 --> 00:53:33,499 We're below sea level here, right? 485 00:53:35,420 --> 00:53:38,268 According to the map we're at 70 below. 486 00:53:39,933 --> 00:53:44,024 It's an oven, it must be at least 50 degrees Celsius. 487 00:53:45,597 --> 00:53:49,306 Don't think about it. The more you think about it, the hotter it feels. 488 00:53:52,796 --> 00:53:54,290 How far have we gone? 489 00:53:55,741 --> 00:53:57,628 About 12 kilometers. 490 00:54:00,124 --> 00:54:02,546 Sergeant, what is it? 491 00:54:03,516 --> 00:54:04,793 It's a mirage. 492 00:54:05,308 --> 00:54:08,756 They call it Morgan le Fay. 493 00:54:41,788 --> 00:54:44,155 What shitty shoes. I got blisters all over. 494 00:55:03,964 --> 00:55:04,978 What is it? 495 00:55:15,292 --> 00:55:17,463 I wonder who drew these. 496 00:55:19,964 --> 00:55:21,459 Once, this area was all green. 497 00:55:22,972 --> 00:55:27,347 There was water, trees, animals... 498 00:55:28,765 --> 00:55:32,245 When the ancient Romans were here? 499 00:55:33,852 --> 00:55:35,314 Long before that... 500 00:55:37,468 --> 00:55:41,526 at least 10,000 years ago. 501 00:55:41,628 --> 00:55:42,937 10,000? 502 00:55:44,444 --> 00:55:46,386 I can't even imagine a number like that. 503 00:55:49,596 --> 00:55:53,589 Studying teaches you lots of things. 504 00:55:55,740 --> 00:55:59,515 I finished elementary school, I can read and write... 505 00:56:00,892 --> 00:56:01,940 but that's it. 506 00:56:03,804 --> 00:56:06,455 At age 10, I was in the hills with the cows. 507 00:56:11,196 --> 00:56:13,051 Know what I miss most? 508 00:56:14,141 --> 00:56:16,530 The green fields behind my house. 509 00:56:20,028 --> 00:56:21,173 There's a plum tree. 510 00:56:22,204 --> 00:56:23,993 I sit under it... 511 00:56:26,140 --> 00:56:27,089 and look up. 512 00:56:33,628 --> 00:56:36,443 - Know how to ski? - No. 513 00:56:39,580 --> 00:56:41,784 Back home, the first snow has already fallen. 514 00:57:18,524 --> 00:57:19,636 See anyone? 515 00:57:22,012 --> 00:57:24,914 No, no one. 516 00:57:25,724 --> 00:57:26,968 Nothing. 517 00:57:28,572 --> 00:57:29,946 What if the British are there? 518 00:57:31,964 --> 00:57:33,752 They'll shoot at us. 519 00:59:29,436 --> 00:59:33,592 If the British made it here, they can make it anywhere. 520 00:59:35,643 --> 00:59:37,236 They're more Bedouin than the Bedouins. 521 00:59:39,292 --> 00:59:41,048 What will we do now? 522 00:59:43,740 --> 00:59:44,950 We'll go back. 523 01:00:23,772 --> 01:00:25,681 - Is today the 23rd? - What? 524 01:00:28,060 --> 01:00:29,336 Is it October 23rd? 525 01:00:30,652 --> 01:00:31,667 Yes. 526 01:00:32,444 --> 01:00:33,491 Why? 527 01:00:34,012 --> 01:00:35,321 It's my wife's birthday. 528 01:00:37,724 --> 01:00:38,837 How old is she? 529 01:00:40,764 --> 01:00:41,942 30. 530 01:00:44,411 --> 01:00:46,266 I haven't seen her in two years. 531 01:00:48,636 --> 01:00:50,873 I wonder if she'd recognize me. 532 01:00:58,012 --> 01:00:59,059 That's the north. 533 01:01:00,316 --> 01:01:01,745 Those are our posts. 534 01:01:01,852 --> 01:01:04,786 These aren't the usual 88's. Let's go. 535 01:01:53,500 --> 01:01:54,580 De Vita. 536 01:02:00,956 --> 01:02:02,134 What are you doing? 537 01:02:04,955 --> 01:02:06,133 Fixing the case. 538 01:02:08,252 --> 01:02:09,626 It's all broken. 539 01:02:11,740 --> 01:02:12,754 How are you? 540 01:02:13,820 --> 01:02:14,867 Fine. 541 01:02:16,252 --> 01:02:17,561 What happened to you? 542 01:02:19,836 --> 01:02:21,046 Nothing, why? 543 01:02:21,596 --> 01:02:25,687 - Your hair turned white. - Really? 544 01:02:28,412 --> 01:02:30,583 - Where's Spagna? - Spagna... 545 01:02:55,579 --> 01:02:57,783 Spagna, how are you? 546 01:02:59,004 --> 01:03:02,746 It came down like hail. 547 01:03:03,452 --> 01:03:04,794 What happened to De Vita? 548 01:03:05,916 --> 01:03:09,844 A grenade landed three meters from him, made a huge hole, but he's fine. 549 01:03:09,916 --> 01:03:12,534 Not a scratch, just his hair. 550 01:03:14,427 --> 01:03:16,402 How many boys did we lose? 551 01:03:17,819 --> 01:03:21,081 At least 20, between dead and injured. 552 01:03:37,532 --> 01:03:40,695 What we expected has happened, the battle has begun. 553 01:03:41,915 --> 01:03:43,770 The British attacked the entire front. 554 01:03:45,564 --> 01:03:49,458 They bombed us, but they didn't attack with tanks and infantry. 555 01:03:51,836 --> 01:03:54,421 They tried to break through the Folgore sector. 556 01:03:57,500 --> 01:03:59,355 They suffered great losses there... 557 01:04:01,467 --> 01:04:02,896 entire companies destroyed... 558 01:04:03,836 --> 01:04:05,397 but they held their position. 559 01:04:06,812 --> 01:04:09,747 They stopped the tanks with incendiary bottles. 560 01:04:11,931 --> 01:04:15,761 An attack is expected tonight, with the full moon. 561 01:04:18,204 --> 01:04:21,433 Our 28th is with Ruspoli's group at point 105. 562 01:04:22,556 --> 01:04:23,963 They want us to go there. 563 01:04:25,211 --> 01:04:27,186 A gap has opened, they want us to patch it. 564 01:04:30,332 --> 01:04:32,186 Are they sending us to croak, sir? 565 01:05:48,060 --> 01:05:50,198 - Who are you? - Pavia Division. 566 01:05:52,412 --> 01:05:53,622 I'm Lt. Fiore. 567 01:05:54,172 --> 01:05:56,921 Lt. Sforza of Folgore, we were waiting for you. 568 01:05:57,244 --> 01:05:58,705 How's your situation here? 569 01:05:59,484 --> 01:06:03,794 Last night was a nightmare. The British bashed us. 570 01:06:04,059 --> 01:06:08,250 The 19th is gone, the 22nd has few remaining defense posts... 571 01:06:08,316 --> 01:06:09,493 and the 6th is surrounded. 572 01:06:10,140 --> 01:06:11,733 We don't know how long they'll hold up. 573 01:06:12,060 --> 01:06:15,638 We stopped them by burning about 30 British tanks. 574 01:06:17,724 --> 01:06:20,790 They told us to reinforce Ruspoli's group at point 105. 575 01:06:22,331 --> 01:06:25,779 Ruspoli's gone, he died this afternoon. 576 01:06:26,235 --> 01:06:30,775 An 88 hit his truck, three officers died. One from the Pavia Division. 577 01:06:35,067 --> 01:06:36,049 What should we do? 578 01:06:36,316 --> 01:06:39,731 Take post at point 115, between the 24th and 20th. 579 01:06:40,444 --> 01:06:41,905 One of my soldiers will bring you there. 580 01:06:42,332 --> 01:06:43,892 Are there tanks? 581 01:06:44,444 --> 01:06:47,062 They promised us the Ariete tanks and the German Panzers... 582 01:06:47,164 --> 01:06:50,546 but we can only count on our forces now. 583 01:07:17,563 --> 01:07:20,563 You three with the Breda, in here. 584 01:07:22,683 --> 01:07:25,553 Tarozzi, there with the mortar. 585 01:07:26,907 --> 01:07:28,369 Three more in there. 586 01:07:30,172 --> 01:07:31,481 Serra, De Vita, in here. 587 01:07:32,508 --> 01:07:34,515 Find some sacks and rebuild the wall. 588 01:07:35,676 --> 01:07:37,269 You two, in here. 589 01:07:37,660 --> 01:07:39,067 Rizzo, there. 590 01:07:41,659 --> 01:07:44,529 You two, in here, set up the pit. 591 01:07:45,147 --> 01:07:47,929 Spagna, get three men and stay here. 592 01:07:51,771 --> 01:07:55,186 Boys, come here. Three more with me. 593 01:07:55,355 --> 01:07:56,729 Take these sandbags. 594 01:07:58,683 --> 01:07:59,698 You two, in here. 595 01:08:05,019 --> 01:08:06,481 De Vita, here. 596 01:08:09,563 --> 01:08:11,124 You all, in here. 597 01:08:11,196 --> 01:08:12,406 You three, over here. 598 01:08:17,724 --> 01:08:19,829 Remove what you don't need from the pits. 599 01:08:21,627 --> 01:08:23,285 Distribute the ammunition. 600 01:08:31,035 --> 01:08:33,719 - De Vita, knock it off! - I'm fixing it. 601 01:08:33,788 --> 01:08:35,162 Fix it some other time. 602 01:08:37,851 --> 01:08:39,258 Fine. 603 01:09:02,140 --> 01:09:03,962 I brought some amphetamines. 604 01:09:06,236 --> 01:09:07,578 So you'll stay awake. 605 01:10:12,859 --> 01:10:14,867 Get down! 606 01:15:49,115 --> 01:15:51,003 De Vita! Where the fuck are you going? 607 01:15:51,675 --> 01:15:53,016 Come back here! 608 01:17:05,467 --> 01:17:09,461 Finally, war, the real kind, has arrived. 609 01:17:11,707 --> 01:17:15,187 I kept an eye on it, like a bus on the corner of a street. 610 01:17:16,955 --> 01:17:18,842 The British broke through the first line... 611 01:17:19,483 --> 01:17:21,490 but they were stopped by the artillery. 612 01:17:22,747 --> 01:17:26,675 They got stuck in the minefields and had to turn back. 613 01:17:27,899 --> 01:17:29,688 Maybe this was the third miracle. 614 01:17:33,755 --> 01:17:35,413 Today I looked horror in the face. 615 01:17:37,627 --> 01:17:39,056 At school they teach us: 616 01:17:40,283 --> 01:17:42,225 "Lucky is he who dies a hero. " 617 01:17:43,739 --> 01:17:45,495 I've seen many of these heroes. 618 01:17:47,162 --> 01:17:49,431 Those who die are neither lucky nor unlucky. 619 01:17:51,163 --> 01:17:52,472 They are just dead. 620 01:17:54,523 --> 01:17:56,345 They rot at the bottom of a pit... 621 01:17:57,147 --> 01:17:58,521 without a shred of poetry. 622 01:18:01,371 --> 01:18:03,345 Death is beautiful only in school books. 623 01:18:04,507 --> 01:18:07,125 In real life it's pitiful, horrendous... 624 01:18:07,739 --> 01:18:08,721 and it stinks. 625 01:18:49,787 --> 01:18:51,194 This time, I'm going home. 626 01:18:52,155 --> 01:18:53,649 Of course. 627 01:18:55,195 --> 01:18:56,820 They'll even give you a medal. 628 01:18:57,979 --> 01:19:00,084 If you're lucky, it'll happen to you, too. 629 01:19:06,779 --> 01:19:07,794 See you back in Italy. 630 01:19:10,715 --> 01:19:11,925 See you in Italy. 631 01:19:25,275 --> 01:19:26,704 Write to me, Sergeant. 632 01:19:27,514 --> 01:19:29,522 Got it? Write to me. 633 01:20:18,811 --> 01:20:19,988 What do they say? 634 01:20:20,507 --> 01:20:23,987 II Duce deems it necessary to maintain the front at all costs. 635 01:20:25,787 --> 01:20:26,997 Win or die. 636 01:20:38,395 --> 01:20:40,435 The big battle moved up north. 637 01:20:41,595 --> 01:20:43,482 It overthrew us like a flooded river. 638 01:20:43,962 --> 01:20:45,872 Then, once the flood passed... 639 01:20:46,138 --> 01:20:48,178 it all went back to normal. 640 01:20:49,147 --> 01:20:51,318 It seems they've all forgotten about us. 641 01:20:51,835 --> 01:20:54,355 Our enemies and our command. 642 01:21:18,139 --> 01:21:20,375 The days pass, always the same. 643 01:21:21,467 --> 01:21:23,376 We don't know what will happen to us. 644 01:21:23,930 --> 01:21:26,483 We've become rocks, boulders... 645 01:21:27,387 --> 01:21:29,209 immobile, hard. 646 01:21:30,587 --> 01:21:34,482 Fear no longer exists, because life no longer exists. 647 01:21:36,858 --> 01:21:38,582 We know we can't win. 648 01:21:39,611 --> 01:21:42,906 We're alone, in the middle of the desert. 649 01:21:43,867 --> 01:21:45,590 Alone with our sins. 650 01:21:47,322 --> 01:21:51,414 It's all one great light with no dimensions, no size. 651 01:21:53,082 --> 01:21:55,897 It's all a blinding light... 652 01:21:56,795 --> 01:21:59,380 immense, infinite. 653 01:22:09,979 --> 01:22:13,394 The British broke through up north, the Ariete Division was destroyed. 654 01:22:13,850 --> 01:22:15,127 And the Germans? 655 01:22:15,962 --> 01:22:18,384 They lost almost all of their Armored Divisions. 656 01:22:18,810 --> 01:22:21,778 Rommel decided to retreat, he wants to save the Afrika Korps. 657 01:22:23,035 --> 01:22:25,304 What are our orders? What'll we do? 658 01:22:25,562 --> 01:22:28,410 Disengage and establish a new line of defense... 659 01:22:29,243 --> 01:22:31,610 30 kilometers from here, at Qaret el Khadim. 660 01:22:31,867 --> 01:22:33,296 - The Folgore Division, too? - No. 661 01:22:33,883 --> 01:22:37,330 We're at Gebel Kalakh. They stationed us as rearguards. 662 01:22:38,395 --> 01:22:42,105 Let's hope for the best. They say "disengagement" but they mean "retreat. " 663 01:22:42,587 --> 01:22:44,562 Maybe we'll get our hides home safely. 664 01:22:45,403 --> 01:22:46,744 Are they sending trucks? 665 01:22:47,258 --> 01:22:50,008 No, there are none. 666 01:22:51,003 --> 01:22:52,432 We'll have to make do. 667 01:22:55,451 --> 01:22:56,858 May God help us. 668 01:24:12,442 --> 01:24:14,068 Look! The Germans! 669 01:24:20,410 --> 01:24:21,490 Stop! 670 01:24:38,170 --> 01:24:40,374 Italians, you'll die here! 671 01:24:43,098 --> 01:24:44,472 Damn Germans! 672 01:24:58,970 --> 01:24:59,919 Italians! 673 01:25:13,818 --> 01:25:16,273 Stop. Stop, for God's sake! 674 01:25:18,651 --> 01:25:20,789 Not even the Holy Spirit could fit in here! 675 01:25:20,858 --> 01:25:23,793 - There's plenty of room! - We're full! 676 01:25:25,562 --> 01:25:27,351 Let us in! 677 01:25:29,498 --> 01:25:30,447 Son of a bitch! 678 01:26:14,939 --> 01:26:18,550 General. Lt. Fiore, 27th Pavia Infantry... 679 01:26:18,714 --> 01:26:19,696 at your orders. 680 01:26:20,922 --> 01:26:22,132 At ease. 681 01:26:23,706 --> 01:26:25,200 Can we be of help? 682 01:26:25,594 --> 01:26:27,537 No, I don't need anything. 683 01:26:27,610 --> 01:26:28,755 We can dig. 684 01:26:31,034 --> 01:26:34,515 He was my orderly for 15 years, I want to bury him myself. 685 01:26:36,154 --> 01:26:38,707 - You're not wounded? - No. 686 01:26:40,890 --> 01:26:42,897 We're retreating to Qaret el Khadim. 687 01:26:43,354 --> 01:26:46,703 Want us to send a vehicle for you? 688 01:26:47,962 --> 01:26:49,239 Thank you. 689 01:26:49,818 --> 01:26:53,430 Take cover with your men, don't worry about me. 690 01:26:54,682 --> 01:26:55,892 Yes, sir. 691 01:26:57,531 --> 01:27:00,181 Whom did I have the honor of speaking to? 692 01:27:02,426 --> 01:27:05,722 It doesn't matter anymore. 693 01:27:07,066 --> 01:27:08,375 Good luck. 694 01:27:09,402 --> 01:27:10,646 Thanks, Your Excellency. 695 01:28:54,618 --> 01:28:57,749 I want my shoe back! 696 01:29:02,586 --> 01:29:03,896 Here it is! 697 01:29:06,362 --> 01:29:08,566 It's all over, you can go home. 698 01:29:08,922 --> 01:29:10,831 You're going home. 699 01:29:45,850 --> 01:29:47,377 Good evening, Lieutenant. 700 01:29:48,186 --> 01:29:49,593 Where are you going? 701 01:29:51,482 --> 01:29:53,043 To Qaret el Khadim. 702 01:29:53,530 --> 01:29:54,675 This is it. 703 01:29:55,610 --> 01:29:56,984 Where's command? 704 01:29:57,050 --> 01:30:00,182 There isn't one, it's a hospital. 705 01:30:01,594 --> 01:30:03,220 They told us to come here. 706 01:30:03,482 --> 01:30:07,256 The British are everywhere, we've been ordered to retreat to Fuka. 707 01:30:11,386 --> 01:30:12,630 How will we get to Fuka? 708 01:30:12,794 --> 01:30:13,939 That truck is leaving soon. 709 01:30:14,010 --> 01:30:16,825 Get on and leave the injured behind. 710 01:30:17,979 --> 01:30:20,728 - What will you do? - I'm staying here. 711 01:30:21,498 --> 01:30:24,881 We're waiting for the British. They'll take better care of them. 712 01:30:25,658 --> 01:30:26,673 Good luck. 713 01:30:46,394 --> 01:30:48,249 - Tarozzi! - Hello, Serra. 714 01:30:49,466 --> 01:30:50,775 Lieutenant. 715 01:30:52,346 --> 01:30:53,655 How are you? 716 01:30:57,242 --> 01:30:58,289 Here's how I am. 717 01:31:41,370 --> 01:31:42,318 Stop! 718 01:31:55,930 --> 01:31:58,297 Calm down, there's a shelter! 719 01:31:58,362 --> 01:32:00,599 There it is. We're there. 720 01:32:16,954 --> 01:32:18,678 Stop, you can't enter! 721 01:32:19,578 --> 01:32:21,618 They're shooting, we've got injured men. 722 01:32:21,690 --> 01:32:24,057 You can't go in! Understand? 723 01:32:24,122 --> 01:32:27,919 You don't understand, we won't stay out in this bullet storm. 724 01:33:38,074 --> 01:33:41,685 - Look! - What a mess! 725 01:33:45,146 --> 01:33:46,258 Christ! 726 01:33:50,234 --> 01:33:52,274 - Lieutenant? - Yes, sir. 727 01:33:52,698 --> 01:33:53,942 Where are you going? 728 01:33:54,586 --> 01:33:57,718 Retreating to Fuka, taking the injured to the hospital. 729 01:33:57,786 --> 01:34:00,568 Good. Make sure they get better soon... 730 01:34:00,890 --> 01:34:02,897 and go back to the front line as soon as possible. 731 01:34:03,898 --> 01:34:05,938 Aren't we retreating? 732 01:34:06,394 --> 01:34:09,045 This is an active war, sometimes we go forward, sometimes we go back. 733 01:34:09,722 --> 01:34:11,861 It's a strategic retreat, temporary. 734 01:34:12,666 --> 01:34:14,160 Reinforcements are arriving. 735 01:34:19,801 --> 01:34:20,750 Colonel! 736 01:34:21,818 --> 01:34:24,666 We don't have a vehicle. Will you send one for the injured men? 737 01:34:24,857 --> 01:34:26,199 Sure, will do. 738 01:34:27,162 --> 01:34:29,650 An Italian soldier never loses hope. 739 01:34:29,754 --> 01:34:32,471 If he's willing, he'll always find a way. 740 01:34:34,682 --> 01:34:35,729 Shall we go? 741 01:37:16,986 --> 01:37:18,066 Stop! 742 01:37:18,586 --> 01:37:21,303 We've come from Qaret el Khadim. They told us to go to Fuka. 743 01:37:21,370 --> 01:37:22,897 The British are in Fuka. 744 01:37:23,161 --> 01:37:26,510 The 10th Army Corps should gather at Marsa Matruh. 745 01:37:27,130 --> 01:37:30,130 But that's 100 kilometers away! 746 01:37:30,874 --> 01:37:32,979 We don't have a vehicle, we've got injured men. 747 01:37:33,050 --> 01:37:36,083 Those are the orders. I'll go look for the rest of the column. 748 01:38:06,617 --> 01:38:08,341 We proceed haphazardly. 749 01:38:08,826 --> 01:38:10,549 Commands and countermands. 750 01:38:10,969 --> 01:38:14,231 No one knows what's happening, what to do. 751 01:38:17,306 --> 01:38:19,607 We wander through the desert fending for ourselves. 752 01:38:20,409 --> 01:38:22,776 We can only hope something will happen... 753 01:38:23,705 --> 01:38:26,356 anything that will put an end... 754 01:38:26,425 --> 01:38:28,847 to the humiliation of this endless end. 755 01:38:40,633 --> 01:38:42,292 Lieutenant, how's the wound? 756 01:38:44,313 --> 01:38:45,361 Fine. 757 01:38:48,698 --> 01:38:49,745 Want to eat something? 758 01:38:51,226 --> 01:38:52,884 We have some extra canned goods. 759 01:38:54,009 --> 01:38:54,991 No, thanks. 760 01:38:59,386 --> 01:39:00,400 Serra. 761 01:39:09,498 --> 01:39:12,116 - It's the last one? - Eat. 762 01:39:18,009 --> 01:39:20,278 I don't sleep near corpses. It's not right. 763 01:39:23,962 --> 01:39:25,140 It's not right. 764 01:39:28,090 --> 01:39:29,464 This is a cemetery. 765 01:40:18,010 --> 01:40:21,457 Will we make it back home? 766 01:40:27,033 --> 01:40:28,462 We'll make it. 767 01:41:27,994 --> 01:41:32,150 Italian soldiers, command has abandoned you. 768 01:41:32,473 --> 01:41:35,637 The war is over for you, surrender! 769 01:41:35,705 --> 01:41:37,363 Put down your weapons. 770 01:41:37,977 --> 01:41:39,887 Don't resist. 771 01:43:15,257 --> 01:43:16,239 Lieutenant! 772 01:43:20,697 --> 01:43:21,712 I'll help you. 773 01:43:31,609 --> 01:43:34,544 Look! Maybe they're ours. 774 01:44:36,633 --> 01:44:37,745 Start. 775 01:44:41,913 --> 01:44:42,895 Start! 776 01:45:01,786 --> 01:45:04,600 Lieutenant, there's water. 777 01:45:11,769 --> 01:45:13,231 Seems to work. 778 01:45:16,505 --> 01:45:17,749 There's gasoline! 779 01:45:21,338 --> 01:45:23,825 Sergeant, help me pull it out! 780 01:45:44,185 --> 01:45:45,679 It won't start. 781 01:45:50,969 --> 01:45:52,758 - Start! - It's pointless. 782 01:45:55,513 --> 01:45:56,461 Start! 783 01:46:20,313 --> 01:46:23,346 It started! I told you so! 784 01:46:23,897 --> 01:46:27,061 - Maybe we'll make it. - We won't make it. 785 01:46:28,985 --> 01:46:30,196 I won't make it. 786 01:46:32,601 --> 01:46:33,713 You go. 787 01:46:35,225 --> 01:46:39,054 Find a vehicle and come back for me. I'll wait here. 788 01:46:40,314 --> 01:46:42,735 Sergeant, let's go! 789 01:46:43,641 --> 01:46:44,689 I'll help you. 790 01:46:47,065 --> 01:46:48,440 Get on that bike. 791 01:46:50,745 --> 01:46:52,272 Get on that bike. 792 01:47:07,801 --> 01:47:08,815 I'll stay here. 793 01:47:10,265 --> 01:47:12,088 The Lieutenant can't stand up. You go without me. 794 01:47:12,665 --> 01:47:15,185 I won't leave you here. Let's try, Lieutenant! 795 01:47:16,825 --> 01:47:19,825 Too much sand, we won't even move two meters. Go. 796 01:47:20,185 --> 01:47:22,486 Let's try anyway! We've got to get out of here. 797 01:47:22,554 --> 01:47:26,448 You have more chance alone, to find the column, a trail. 798 01:47:26,521 --> 01:47:27,950 We have to go! 799 01:47:30,457 --> 01:47:31,405 Go. 800 01:47:35,193 --> 01:47:37,233 Fine, but I'll come back. 801 01:47:38,233 --> 01:47:39,313 I swear! 802 01:47:41,689 --> 01:47:42,671 I know you will. 803 01:47:44,249 --> 01:47:48,210 Lieutenant, hold on. I'll get a vehicle and come back! 804 01:48:59,353 --> 01:49:04,055 The battle of El Alamein was fought from October 23 to November 4, 1942. 805 01:49:06,745 --> 01:49:10,094 104,000 men of the Italian and German Army 806 01:49:10,169 --> 01:49:13,486 faced 195,000 men of the 8th British Army. 807 01:49:15,289 --> 01:49:17,558 The Italians and Germans suffered 808 01:49:17,625 --> 01:49:20,789 9,000 dead and 15,000 wounded, and 35,000 prisoners. 809 01:49:20,857 --> 01:49:23,923 The British suffered 4,600 dead and 8,500 wounded. 810 01:49:25,529 --> 01:49:27,318 The 10th Italian Army Corps, 811 01:49:27,385 --> 01:49:30,287 made up of the Brescia, Folgore, and Pavia Divisions, 812 01:49:30,361 --> 01:49:32,816 which was positioned in the southern sector, 813 01:49:32,889 --> 01:49:35,311 was completely destroyed during the retreat. 814 01:49:37,689 --> 01:49:39,696 PAVILION 297 815 01:50:10,808 --> 01:50:15,511 UNKNOWN 816 01:50:25,102 --> 01:50:27,787 Ripped by: SkyFury