1 00:00:07,082 --> 00:00:10,844 This film has been made possible by the contribution of the Ministry of Culture, 2 00:00:11,044 --> 00:00:15,548 which recognized this film as a subject of Cultural Interest. 3 00:00:46,288 --> 00:00:49,165 A film by ENZO MONTELEONE 4 00:01:06,307 --> 00:01:11,061 EL ALAMEIN - The Line of Fire 5 00:03:00,463 --> 00:03:01,423 Okay, get off. 6 00:03:18,189 --> 00:03:19,399 Nice here. 7 00:03:23,153 --> 00:03:24,412 Sure is. 8 00:03:24,612 --> 00:03:25,905 What are you doing? 9 00:03:28,116 --> 00:03:31,703 You never know, might find something. 10 00:03:39,002 --> 00:03:42,347 If I'm lucky, this backwash will be enough to get back. 11 00:03:42,547 --> 00:03:43,798 How much longer? 12 00:03:44,924 --> 00:03:46,301 Are you in a hurry? 13 00:03:49,429 --> 00:03:50,555 We're almost there. 14 00:04:31,846 --> 00:04:35,141 Egypt - October 1942 15 00:04:36,226 --> 00:04:37,560 This is it. 16 00:04:38,478 --> 00:04:39,646 You're here. 17 00:04:42,232 --> 00:04:43,400 Report over there. 18 00:04:44,985 --> 00:04:47,153 Okay, thanks. 19 00:04:49,698 --> 00:04:51,541 Is that good water from El Daba? 20 00:04:51,741 --> 00:04:55,453 - Yes, a two-liter canteen. - Don't let them steal it. 21 00:05:30,405 --> 00:05:33,241 Pvt. Serra, reporting. I just got here. 22 00:05:34,367 --> 00:05:35,493 I've been posted here. 23 00:05:38,663 --> 00:05:39,831 Lt. Fiore. 24 00:05:42,042 --> 00:05:44,252 - Are you alone? - What do you mean, sir? 25 00:05:44,669 --> 00:05:47,639 I asked for substitutes, I expected at least 10 men. 26 00:05:47,839 --> 00:05:49,633 - Are you alone? - Yes, sir. 27 00:05:55,055 --> 00:05:56,405 Are you an urban vigilante? 28 00:05:57,849 --> 00:05:59,768 I'm a University Volunteer. 29 00:06:00,852 --> 00:06:03,063 I know what it stands for. It was a joke. 30 00:06:05,899 --> 00:06:06,783 What do you study? 31 00:06:06,983 --> 00:06:09,161 Literature and philosophy, third year. 32 00:06:09,361 --> 00:06:10,412 Why didn't you finish? 33 00:06:10,612 --> 00:06:15,075 I heard soldiers were needed on the front, I'd be a coward not to go. 34 00:06:15,742 --> 00:06:18,870 They said they'd send us to Africa, so I signed up. 35 00:06:20,497 --> 00:06:22,540 - Where are you from? - Palermo. 36 00:06:23,792 --> 00:06:25,135 What's being said in Italy? 37 00:06:25,335 --> 00:06:29,130 We'll arrive in Alexandria and drive the British out of Egypt. 38 00:06:33,969 --> 00:06:35,470 How's the weather there? 39 00:06:38,306 --> 00:06:42,560 Fall has begun, but we're still swimming in Palermo. 40 00:06:46,648 --> 00:06:48,158 - Is that good water? - Yes. 41 00:06:48,358 --> 00:06:49,317 Let me have a sip. 42 00:06:52,821 --> 00:06:53,905 Come on. 43 00:07:12,299 --> 00:07:13,383 Good. 44 00:07:14,050 --> 00:07:15,719 Sorry, water's an issue here. 45 00:07:18,138 --> 00:07:20,357 You'll join S. Sgt. Rizzo's Unit. 46 00:07:20,557 --> 00:07:21,599 Corporal. 47 00:07:23,685 --> 00:07:25,895 Take our student to Rizzo. 48 00:07:28,231 --> 00:07:30,942 Serra, some advice: 49 00:07:31,693 --> 00:07:33,862 Take off that patch. It's useless here. 50 00:07:34,612 --> 00:07:35,780 Yes, sir. 51 00:07:44,289 --> 00:07:46,374 Why did he tell me to remove it? 52 00:07:47,834 --> 00:07:50,295 Some people have been in Africa for two years now. 53 00:07:51,129 --> 00:07:54,466 They've earned repatriation, but can't get back home. 54 00:07:55,675 --> 00:07:58,937 When they see someone who could have stayed home... 55 00:07:59,137 --> 00:08:00,847 but decided to volunteer... 56 00:08:02,140 --> 00:08:03,933 they get ticked off. 57 00:08:30,794 --> 00:08:31,878 What was that? 58 00:08:33,421 --> 00:08:35,173 British 88's. 59 00:08:35,924 --> 00:08:37,768 They always shoot four at a time... 60 00:08:37,968 --> 00:08:41,680 but the ones that hit you sound different. 61 00:08:42,430 --> 00:08:44,432 It's the first thing you need to know. 62 00:08:44,933 --> 00:08:47,560 If you want to get out alive, perk up your ears. 63 00:08:52,023 --> 00:08:53,373 Give me some of your water. 64 00:09:08,581 --> 00:09:09,674 Excuse me... 65 00:09:09,874 --> 00:09:12,085 I haven't had real water in so long. 66 00:09:14,921 --> 00:09:17,048 Get down, this'll hit us! 67 00:09:30,228 --> 00:09:31,438 Corporal! 68 00:09:54,711 --> 00:09:57,130 Who are you? What happened? 69 00:09:57,631 --> 00:10:01,468 Pvt. Serra. I have to join Sergeant Rizzo's Unit. 70 00:10:02,010 --> 00:10:06,181 They shot at me and the Corporal, but I can't find him anymore. 71 00:10:06,806 --> 00:10:10,060 I'm Rizzo. De Vita and Spagna. 72 00:10:11,353 --> 00:10:15,523 - Who was the Corporal? - Part of the command company. 73 00:10:20,695 --> 00:10:22,405 Boys, take a look around. 74 00:10:28,703 --> 00:10:29,829 I found this. 75 00:10:36,461 --> 00:10:39,089 He became sand. It happens. 76 00:10:39,839 --> 00:10:40,766 We'll report it. 77 00:10:40,966 --> 00:10:42,842 You used up your first miracle. 78 00:10:43,051 --> 00:10:45,061 Just got here and already used up a miracle. 79 00:10:45,261 --> 00:10:46,062 What miracle? 80 00:10:46,262 --> 00:10:47,462 That's enough. Let's go. 81 00:10:49,891 --> 00:10:51,434 - Is that good water? - Yes. 82 00:11:39,190 --> 00:11:40,233 Stay low. 83 00:12:16,561 --> 00:12:19,364 Set yourself up there, a guy from Padua used to be here... 84 00:12:19,564 --> 00:12:22,826 he got hit by a grenade splinter. It literally pierced his stomach. 85 00:12:23,026 --> 00:12:25,153 - Is he dead? - The war is over for him. 86 00:12:25,570 --> 00:12:29,699 He's in a hospital in Bengasi. They will send him home soon. 87 00:12:30,700 --> 00:12:32,035 Come, I'll brief you. 88 00:12:36,373 --> 00:12:39,751 To the right, the Qattara Depression. 89 00:12:40,543 --> 00:12:41,753 Not much to worry about. 90 00:12:42,754 --> 00:12:46,800 There's a minefield past the barbed wire, then no man's land. 91 00:12:47,926 --> 00:12:51,346 The British are over there, you can't see them. 92 00:12:52,555 --> 00:12:56,309 But they see us clearly and send their 88's here. 93 00:12:57,560 --> 00:13:00,397 Keep low during the day, we move at night. 94 00:13:01,690 --> 00:13:02,816 Our artillery? 95 00:13:03,149 --> 00:13:07,570 The remaining cannons are in the north. 96 00:13:08,530 --> 00:13:12,993 We're in the south sector, abandoned by God. 97 00:13:14,202 --> 00:13:16,663 First rule: Keep your head low. 98 00:13:17,372 --> 00:13:21,293 Second: If you get dysentery don't report sick, we all have it. 99 00:13:21,543 --> 00:13:22,502 Just cope with it. 100 00:13:23,003 --> 00:13:25,463 Third: Vipers and scorpions. 101 00:13:25,797 --> 00:13:28,100 Watch where you put your hands and when you put on your shoes... 102 00:13:28,300 --> 00:13:30,969 because scorpions look for warm places at night. 103 00:13:32,345 --> 00:13:33,939 A quarter liter of water a day. 104 00:13:34,139 --> 00:13:37,039 If you're used to washing up, learn how to do it with sand. 105 00:13:37,434 --> 00:13:40,278 Rations arrive after dusk, but often don't show up. 106 00:13:40,478 --> 00:13:43,128 You'll have to make do with canned goods and biscuits. 107 00:13:43,732 --> 00:13:47,527 Cigarettes in abundance, but matches are scarce. 108 00:13:48,945 --> 00:13:51,281 - Got that? - Yes. 109 00:13:51,656 --> 00:13:52,782 Any questions? 110 00:13:53,033 --> 00:13:56,202 - The mail? - On and off. 111 00:14:14,471 --> 00:14:16,431 Beloved Mom, Dear Father... 112 00:14:17,891 --> 00:14:19,841 I've finally arrived on the front line. 113 00:14:21,478 --> 00:14:24,564 My unit is posted in the southernmost point of the front... 114 00:14:25,190 --> 00:14:26,858 near the Qattara Depression. 115 00:14:28,109 --> 00:14:31,905 I'm the youngest. The others are veterans of Africa. 116 00:14:34,115 --> 00:14:36,701 Everything is empty, immense. 117 00:14:37,911 --> 00:14:39,788 I've yet to see real war. 118 00:14:41,665 --> 00:14:45,043 It's not what I expected. I imagined something else: 119 00:14:45,377 --> 00:14:48,171 Clashes, battles, gunfights. 120 00:14:49,631 --> 00:14:52,676 Our real enemies now are thirst and dysentery. 121 00:14:54,803 --> 00:14:56,096 We must be careful... 122 00:14:56,429 --> 00:15:00,809 because we can die suddenly, unexpectedly... 123 00:15:01,267 --> 00:15:02,894 without ever seeing the enemy. 124 00:15:03,937 --> 00:15:07,732 I hope I'll distinguish myself and make you proud of me. 125 00:15:22,956 --> 00:15:25,458 Spagna, where the fuck are you? 126 00:15:47,355 --> 00:15:49,155 - Everything okay? - Yes, Lieutenant. 127 00:15:59,826 --> 00:16:02,495 If that had hit our pit, goodbye homeland. 128 00:16:06,166 --> 00:16:07,759 - Lieutenant. - How's it going? 129 00:16:07,959 --> 00:16:08,918 Fine. 130 00:16:09,794 --> 00:16:11,304 Well, they keep getting closer. 131 00:16:11,504 --> 00:16:15,600 Lieutenant, two wounded in the connection zone. 132 00:16:15,800 --> 00:16:18,011 - Hit by 88's? - No, by a sniper. 133 00:16:18,470 --> 00:16:19,929 What? 134 00:16:22,724 --> 00:16:23,767 Let's go. 135 00:16:26,102 --> 00:16:27,279 What happened? 136 00:16:27,479 --> 00:16:31,783 The two linemen were adjusting the telephone cables... 137 00:16:31,983 --> 00:16:33,702 and they were shot by a sniper. 138 00:16:33,902 --> 00:16:36,321 - How did he get there? - We don't know. 139 00:16:36,571 --> 00:16:39,471 He must have arrived last night. He wasn't there yesterday. 140 00:16:46,665 --> 00:16:47,874 Stretcher bearers! 141 00:16:50,835 --> 00:16:54,005 - Where is he? - Perhaps behind those wrecks. 142 00:16:57,884 --> 00:16:59,177 Lieutenant, sir. 143 00:17:00,595 --> 00:17:03,139 - Do you feel like going? - Yes. 144 00:17:05,350 --> 00:17:09,229 Be careful. He may disregard your armbands. 145 00:17:09,938 --> 00:17:11,022 We'll go anyway. 146 00:17:20,490 --> 00:17:23,326 Run! Hide! 147 00:17:25,662 --> 00:17:27,205 He got him. 148 00:17:28,790 --> 00:17:31,718 Did you see where he's shooting from? 149 00:17:31,918 --> 00:17:34,754 I saw a spark from behind that truck. 150 00:17:35,672 --> 00:17:36,473 Are you sure? 151 00:17:36,673 --> 00:17:39,059 - Yes. I saw him clearly. - We need the mortar. 152 00:17:39,259 --> 00:17:41,428 - Who'll go call Tarozzi? - Me. 153 00:17:42,512 --> 00:17:45,315 Go to the command post, get him, and bring him here. 154 00:17:45,515 --> 00:17:47,115 He needs to bring his 81, hurry. 155 00:17:48,810 --> 00:17:50,510 Stay low and always run for cover! 156 00:18:07,203 --> 00:18:09,539 - Where's Tarozzi? - Over there. 157 00:18:14,294 --> 00:18:16,263 - Who's Tarozzi? - Me. 158 00:18:16,463 --> 00:18:18,840 Lt. Fiore needs you, hurry. 159 00:18:29,809 --> 00:18:31,269 You called for me? 160 00:18:32,979 --> 00:18:34,648 Set up the mortar. 161 00:18:43,323 --> 00:18:45,367 - Ready. - Come here. 162 00:18:48,411 --> 00:18:50,872 - See that wreck? - Yes. 163 00:18:51,581 --> 00:18:54,834 There's a sniper in there, blow it to pieces. 164 00:18:55,877 --> 00:18:57,087 Yes, sir. 165 00:19:09,307 --> 00:19:10,225 Cover! 166 00:19:32,205 --> 00:19:33,155 You son of a bitch! 167 00:19:35,083 --> 00:19:37,168 Go to hell! 168 00:19:38,336 --> 00:19:39,796 Don't shoot! 169 00:19:40,046 --> 00:19:43,600 Damn you! To hell! 170 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:45,969 Don't waste ammunition! 171 00:19:46,678 --> 00:19:47,637 Bastards! 172 00:19:50,598 --> 00:19:52,017 Listen... 173 00:19:53,935 --> 00:19:56,321 shall we blow up this son of a bitch? 174 00:19:56,521 --> 00:19:57,480 Yes, sir. 175 00:19:59,107 --> 00:20:01,610 - See what he did to our boys? - Yes, sir. 176 00:20:03,737 --> 00:20:07,290 Then concentrate and send him straight to hell. 177 00:20:07,490 --> 00:20:08,667 Got it? 178 00:20:08,867 --> 00:20:11,328 I'll get him, I swear. 179 00:20:24,591 --> 00:20:25,550 Cover! 180 00:20:39,022 --> 00:20:42,442 Get the wounded man and take him to the infirmary. 181 00:20:42,734 --> 00:20:44,945 Fix the cables. Good job, Tarozzi. 182 00:20:46,821 --> 00:20:47,906 Let's go. 183 00:20:51,409 --> 00:20:52,869 You're a champ. 184 00:21:22,232 --> 00:21:23,733 What a sight. 185 00:21:26,027 --> 00:21:27,927 They remind me of my town's fireworks. 186 00:21:37,080 --> 00:21:38,999 The rations arrived today. 187 00:21:41,918 --> 00:21:43,920 Tasty sand and rice mush. 188 00:21:51,469 --> 00:21:54,264 Know why rations arrive at night? 189 00:21:55,015 --> 00:21:57,115 So we can't see all the flies in the food. 190 00:22:01,563 --> 00:22:03,113 When do you think we'll attack? 191 00:22:04,190 --> 00:22:07,110 When will we get to Alexandria, to Cairo? 192 00:22:08,320 --> 00:22:09,946 Maybe you don't get it. 193 00:22:11,031 --> 00:22:13,831 We've been here four months and haven't advanced a meter. 194 00:22:14,534 --> 00:22:18,913 Cairo, the pyramids, we can forget about them. 195 00:22:20,999 --> 00:22:23,299 You've become an expert on military strategies? 196 00:22:24,044 --> 00:22:25,128 It's common sense. 197 00:22:25,754 --> 00:22:28,715 Our provisions are in Libya, Bengasi and Derna. 198 00:22:30,175 --> 00:22:32,093 That's 1,000 kilometers from here. 199 00:22:33,720 --> 00:22:38,058 We're far from everything that's why nothing arrives on the front line. 200 00:22:39,225 --> 00:22:40,977 But the British bases are nearby. 201 00:22:42,354 --> 00:22:44,147 They switch off every 15 days. 202 00:22:45,649 --> 00:22:47,484 They take leave and go have fun. 203 00:22:48,109 --> 00:22:50,320 Rommel isn't just any guy... 204 00:22:51,446 --> 00:22:53,281 he whipped the British pretty badly. 205 00:22:53,949 --> 00:22:56,543 If he made it this far, why can't he advance some more? 206 00:22:56,743 --> 00:22:58,912 If he stopped, something must have happened. 207 00:23:00,288 --> 00:23:03,967 Supplies and ammunition haven't arrived. 208 00:23:04,167 --> 00:23:06,878 Gas hasn't arrived and neither has water. 209 00:23:10,173 --> 00:23:12,023 I think the British will attack soon. 210 00:23:12,968 --> 00:23:15,218 Even if they do, they won't get through here. 211 00:23:15,762 --> 00:23:19,182 They won't kick us out. 212 00:23:20,850 --> 00:23:22,018 We're like boulders: 213 00:23:22,978 --> 00:23:25,689 Firm, solid, immovable... 214 00:23:26,731 --> 00:23:27,857 neither forward... 215 00:23:29,025 --> 00:23:30,026 nor backward. 216 00:23:36,116 --> 00:23:38,866 - Sergeant, what do you think? - That you talk too much. 217 00:23:39,703 --> 00:23:43,373 Once you start thinking, you're dead. 218 00:23:44,791 --> 00:23:47,043 Just do as you're told. 219 00:23:48,169 --> 00:23:49,421 And if I have to die... 220 00:23:52,632 --> 00:23:53,717 I'll die. 221 00:23:54,884 --> 00:23:58,596 I'm sure of one thing: That I won't surrender. 222 00:23:59,139 --> 00:24:00,765 They won't take me... 223 00:24:02,892 --> 00:24:05,603 not alive. 224 00:24:11,484 --> 00:24:12,828 What is it? 225 00:24:13,028 --> 00:24:16,164 A British truck. It drove over a mine. 226 00:24:16,364 --> 00:24:18,041 - Let's go. - Where? 227 00:24:18,241 --> 00:24:19,492 To do some shopping. 228 00:24:58,907 --> 00:25:01,660 There are mines here. 229 00:25:02,077 --> 00:25:04,037 Stay in line behind me. 230 00:25:06,665 --> 00:25:09,115 I don't want to have to scrape you off the ground. 231 00:25:37,696 --> 00:25:40,365 - Sergeant. - What? 232 00:25:43,285 --> 00:25:44,619 I stepped on something. 233 00:25:46,204 --> 00:25:47,205 Don't move. 234 00:25:49,791 --> 00:25:50,875 Stay still. 235 00:26:21,448 --> 00:26:22,699 You lucked out. 236 00:26:23,742 --> 00:26:24,826 Move. 237 00:26:25,910 --> 00:26:26,870 Slowly. 238 00:26:28,705 --> 00:26:32,792 It's an anti-tank mine. They're calibrated for 300 kilos. 239 00:26:36,129 --> 00:26:38,479 If it was an anti-personnel mine, you'd be gone. 240 00:26:39,716 --> 00:26:41,217 Christ, be careful. 241 00:26:45,972 --> 00:26:47,891 You used up your second miracle. 242 00:26:48,183 --> 00:26:49,142 Damn. 243 00:27:07,035 --> 00:27:08,495 What do we have here? 244 00:27:24,094 --> 00:27:25,178 Look. 245 00:27:29,391 --> 00:27:31,393 These British have it all. 246 00:27:31,935 --> 00:27:34,229 Chocolate, whiskey, jam... 247 00:27:34,479 --> 00:27:37,524 Everything, even canned fruit. 248 00:28:02,716 --> 00:28:05,719 Sergeant, he's alive! 249 00:28:06,553 --> 00:28:07,762 What'll we do? 250 00:28:08,096 --> 00:28:11,525 The British will come get him, they'll handle it. 251 00:28:11,725 --> 00:28:12,934 Let's hurry up. 252 00:28:14,519 --> 00:28:16,229 Come on, let's go. 253 00:28:16,604 --> 00:28:18,857 Serra, move it. 254 00:28:41,588 --> 00:28:42,631 Good stuff. 255 00:28:46,509 --> 00:28:47,510 Want some? 256 00:28:47,802 --> 00:28:48,887 British vitamins. 257 00:28:57,103 --> 00:28:58,653 All this talk about miracles... 258 00:29:00,899 --> 00:29:01,900 what is it? 259 00:29:06,488 --> 00:29:07,447 Look at this. 260 00:29:09,824 --> 00:29:10,909 It was on my head. 261 00:29:13,286 --> 00:29:15,872 A bullet entered here and exited here. 262 00:29:17,332 --> 00:29:18,625 I could have died. 263 00:29:20,460 --> 00:29:21,586 But I didn't... 264 00:29:22,796 --> 00:29:23,797 I felt... 265 00:29:26,132 --> 00:29:27,382 a breeze through my hair. 266 00:29:29,469 --> 00:29:30,719 What would you call that? 267 00:29:33,431 --> 00:29:35,731 When you step on a mine that doesn't explode... 268 00:29:36,768 --> 00:29:39,187 grenade splinters hit the pit... 269 00:29:40,063 --> 00:29:41,613 and the guy next to you dies... 270 00:29:43,483 --> 00:29:44,859 these are miracles. 271 00:29:51,950 --> 00:29:56,246 The Corporal turned to sand, you didn't even get a scratch. 272 00:29:57,664 --> 00:29:59,249 That was your first miracle. 273 00:30:01,459 --> 00:30:04,421 Here, we are each allotted three miracles. 274 00:30:06,589 --> 00:30:08,425 You've only got one left. 275 00:30:10,010 --> 00:30:11,720 Afterwards all you can do is pray. 276 00:30:14,180 --> 00:30:18,101 And you, how many do you have left? 277 00:30:23,565 --> 00:30:25,442 We used them up long ago. 278 00:30:26,151 --> 00:30:27,736 Don't worry... 279 00:30:28,987 --> 00:30:31,364 if you're going to die, it shows the day before. 280 00:30:32,782 --> 00:30:34,075 How can you tell? 281 00:30:34,659 --> 00:30:38,038 Your nose becomes thin and long... 282 00:30:39,873 --> 00:30:43,835 and your ears, transparent like tissue paper. 283 00:30:47,339 --> 00:30:48,789 You're pulling my leg, right? 284 00:31:15,784 --> 00:31:17,160 Good morning, Lieutenant. 285 00:31:18,703 --> 00:31:20,997 - What have you got there? - Where are we? 286 00:31:22,290 --> 00:31:26,461 - Naqb Rala, south sector, why? - I knew I'd get lost. Damn! 287 00:31:26,878 --> 00:31:30,799 These trails are all alike, nothing but fucking sand. 288 00:31:31,716 --> 00:31:35,095 - These aren't supply trucks? - No, special transport. 289 00:31:35,470 --> 00:31:36,688 I'm supposed to go to El Daba... 290 00:31:36,888 --> 00:31:39,065 but I had to change route because of a bombardment. 291 00:31:39,265 --> 00:31:42,352 El Daba is on the northern coast, at least 80 kilometers away. 292 00:31:45,814 --> 00:31:48,900 - It's full of shoe polish. - What? 293 00:31:52,362 --> 00:31:54,656 For the parade, when we reach Alexandria. 294 00:31:57,826 --> 00:31:58,994 What's in this truck? 295 00:31:59,202 --> 00:32:02,998 A horse. Mussolini's, for the parade. 296 00:32:03,707 --> 00:32:05,307 We could roast it with potatoes. 297 00:32:06,042 --> 00:32:09,129 You can't touch it, I have to bring it back. 298 00:32:09,504 --> 00:32:11,654 Then say the British took it as a prisoner. 299 00:32:13,174 --> 00:32:15,218 Do something, you tell them. 300 00:32:16,511 --> 00:32:19,689 You keep this. I'm confiscating the horse. 301 00:32:19,889 --> 00:32:22,692 - Pull it out. - You can't, it's Mussolini's horse. 302 00:32:22,892 --> 00:32:25,270 If anything happens, they'll shoot me. 303 00:32:26,021 --> 00:32:29,441 Bullshit. Tell them I took it, they can come to me. 304 00:32:29,983 --> 00:32:31,109 Open up. 305 00:32:58,470 --> 00:33:00,480 It really is Mussolini's personal horse... 306 00:33:00,680 --> 00:33:01,765 I swear. 307 00:33:03,266 --> 00:33:04,768 You don't get it. 308 00:33:06,770 --> 00:33:10,899 Tell Mussolini we've been eating sand and drinking piss for months. 309 00:33:11,191 --> 00:33:14,494 If he wants to march in Alexandria with his horse and shiny boots... 310 00:33:14,694 --> 00:33:17,038 he's got to send us arms, uniforms... 311 00:33:17,238 --> 00:33:21,993 water, shoes, food, medicine, and fresh troops to replace us. 312 00:33:23,036 --> 00:33:25,830 He has to send the air force to bomb the British. 313 00:33:28,083 --> 00:33:31,252 Forget about shoe shines. 314 00:33:31,836 --> 00:33:32,879 Got it? 315 00:33:39,260 --> 00:33:40,410 Who's going to kill it? 316 00:33:43,765 --> 00:33:44,915 Who's going to kill it? 317 00:33:54,651 --> 00:33:58,446 Sorry, you're a beauty but we're in bad shape. 318 00:34:22,637 --> 00:34:26,099 Take it, get lost. 319 00:35:02,135 --> 00:35:05,847 Beloved Mom, Dear Father, today we're moving. 320 00:35:06,389 --> 00:35:10,310 The Lieutenant is sending us behind the front to get bins of water. 321 00:35:10,810 --> 00:35:13,071 After weeks of being stuck in the pits... 322 00:35:13,271 --> 00:35:15,690 riding in the desert tastes like freedom. 323 00:35:17,317 --> 00:35:18,985 We seem to smell the sea. 324 00:35:19,611 --> 00:35:21,863 It's 60 kilometers away... 325 00:35:22,572 --> 00:35:24,922 but for us, it's more unreachable than a mirage. 326 00:35:27,285 --> 00:35:29,713 The names here are straight out of The Arabian Nights: 327 00:35:29,913 --> 00:35:32,999 Camel Plains, Dove Hills... 328 00:35:33,583 --> 00:35:35,001 Gazelle Cliff. 329 00:35:35,794 --> 00:35:40,090 But they are mere dots on the map that only the Bedouins can recognize. 330 00:35:43,510 --> 00:35:46,429 - Are we lost? - No. 331 00:35:47,347 --> 00:35:48,440 Know where we are? 332 00:35:48,640 --> 00:35:49,849 More or less. 333 00:35:51,351 --> 00:35:52,601 It's all the same here... 334 00:35:53,937 --> 00:35:55,230 even the names... 335 00:35:55,689 --> 00:35:58,525 Qaret el Khadim, Qattaret el Diyura... 336 00:35:58,942 --> 00:36:02,153 Qaret el Yidma. All the same. 337 00:36:03,029 --> 00:36:07,367 They said there were palm trees, but I don't see any. 338 00:36:08,285 --> 00:36:12,038 We should be near, try that way. 339 00:36:23,717 --> 00:36:25,427 There they are. 340 00:36:52,537 --> 00:36:53,580 No one's here. 341 00:37:07,302 --> 00:37:10,764 - Are you from the Pavia Division? - Yes, that's us. 342 00:37:11,723 --> 00:37:12,932 I thought you got lost. 343 00:37:16,978 --> 00:37:18,980 It's all yours. 344 00:37:35,330 --> 00:37:36,831 Tastes like diesel! 345 00:37:37,499 --> 00:37:40,218 Tanks we stole from the Germans. 346 00:37:40,418 --> 00:37:42,337 We have to drink diesel-tainted water? 347 00:37:43,213 --> 00:37:45,048 You should thank God I brought them. 348 00:37:45,590 --> 00:37:47,740 How long since you've gotten a water supply? 349 00:37:49,302 --> 00:37:51,137 Seems you're not doing well. 350 00:37:51,429 --> 00:37:54,849 We can't drink this water, we're not animals! 351 00:37:55,100 --> 00:37:57,102 Enough, let's unload it. 352 00:38:06,194 --> 00:38:07,821 All wasted water. 353 00:38:08,530 --> 00:38:11,074 Know how many I've transported through this desert? 354 00:38:11,908 --> 00:38:14,869 Thousands of tanks, and what for? 355 00:38:15,870 --> 00:38:18,081 To rinse the generals' underwear. 356 00:38:18,832 --> 00:38:22,335 Then they complain we don't move forward or backward. 357 00:38:23,169 --> 00:38:24,170 Bullshit! 358 00:38:24,838 --> 00:38:26,214 I've got a solution. 359 00:38:27,048 --> 00:38:28,008 What? 360 00:38:28,216 --> 00:38:31,311 If I transported grappa... 361 00:38:31,511 --> 00:38:33,430 we'd be at the pyramids by now. 362 00:38:33,805 --> 00:38:36,349 In WWI, we Italians along the Piave River... 363 00:38:36,808 --> 00:38:40,020 were all drunk, otherwise, like hell would we have won. 364 00:38:40,854 --> 00:38:42,647 I feel generous today. 365 00:38:47,736 --> 00:38:50,739 Drink, men are supposed to drink wine. 366 00:38:51,573 --> 00:38:54,326 Use the water for the truck radiators. 367 00:39:01,708 --> 00:39:03,758 Spagna, how long since you've had a bath? 368 00:39:05,337 --> 00:39:06,263 Do I smell? 369 00:39:06,463 --> 00:39:08,390 Sure, we all stink! 370 00:39:08,590 --> 00:39:09,799 I asked because... 371 00:39:10,759 --> 00:39:12,844 about 40 kilometers from here... 372 00:39:13,928 --> 00:39:15,055 is the sea. 373 00:39:16,222 --> 00:39:20,060 - How would you feel about a swim? - Are you crazy? 374 00:39:20,936 --> 00:39:24,731 - We'll dive in and leave. - Then they'll court-martial us all. 375 00:39:25,357 --> 00:39:28,109 Let's vote. Shall we go or not? 376 00:39:29,694 --> 00:39:30,779 Let's go. 377 00:39:31,738 --> 00:39:33,907 - Shall we go? - Yes! 378 00:39:34,366 --> 00:39:36,701 Sure, fuck it! 379 00:42:21,283 --> 00:42:22,951 Why don't we stay here? 380 00:42:24,244 --> 00:42:26,844 We'll hide away and wait here for the end of the war. 381 00:42:31,126 --> 00:42:33,211 Hey, what are you doing? 382 00:42:33,503 --> 00:42:34,838 Who are you? 383 00:42:35,505 --> 00:42:39,009 Pavia Division, we're on a mission. 384 00:42:39,301 --> 00:42:42,637 That's a mined area. Get out of there! 385 00:43:00,780 --> 00:43:04,075 Sergeant, is what they say true? 386 00:43:06,244 --> 00:43:07,329 What do they say? 387 00:43:08,163 --> 00:43:11,958 That the British took you as prisoner and you managed to flee. 388 00:43:16,463 --> 00:43:18,214 They caught me when Bengasi fell. 389 00:43:20,592 --> 00:43:23,928 They brought us to a POW camp in Egypt. 390 00:43:25,180 --> 00:43:26,640 Some were glad... 391 00:43:27,557 --> 00:43:31,102 because they figured the war was over for them. 392 00:43:33,104 --> 00:43:36,483 Being a prisoner is horrible for a soldier. 393 00:43:38,902 --> 00:43:40,070 It's humiliating... 394 00:43:42,030 --> 00:43:43,573 it's a non-life. 395 00:43:46,242 --> 00:43:48,879 A soldier's duty is to fight, a prisoner's is to flee. 396 00:43:49,079 --> 00:43:51,831 I didn't want to rot away in Kenya or India. 397 00:43:54,084 --> 00:43:56,544 I managed to go back to Bengasi. 398 00:43:58,505 --> 00:43:59,514 The British were still there. 399 00:43:59,714 --> 00:44:03,176 For three months I hid out at a friend's place... 400 00:44:04,552 --> 00:44:05,553 in a brothel. 401 00:44:08,932 --> 00:44:10,600 It was the best time of my life. 402 00:44:12,811 --> 00:44:16,231 Then when we liberated Bengasi... 403 00:44:16,523 --> 00:44:17,816 I went back to my troop. 404 00:44:18,441 --> 00:44:20,791 - How long have you been in Africa? - Two years. 405 00:44:21,278 --> 00:44:23,154 - You never went back to Italy? - No. 406 00:44:28,660 --> 00:44:32,706 This is a cursed place. You boil in the day, and freeze at night. 407 00:44:36,835 --> 00:44:38,378 But what a sky. 408 00:44:39,587 --> 00:44:41,548 I'd never seen a sky like this. 409 00:44:46,886 --> 00:44:48,430 The desert plays with you... 410 00:44:50,599 --> 00:44:52,559 makes you think strange things. 411 00:44:56,146 --> 00:44:57,564 I'm sure of one thing. 412 00:44:58,648 --> 00:44:59,608 When we go home... 413 00:45:00,984 --> 00:45:03,069 if we save our hides... 414 00:45:05,530 --> 00:45:07,949 we'll miss this wretched place. 415 00:45:09,701 --> 00:45:12,912 The minefields, the sand, the pits... 416 00:45:16,166 --> 00:45:17,292 Everything. 417 00:45:21,338 --> 00:45:23,131 We'll miss hunger and thirst. 418 00:46:38,373 --> 00:46:42,711 - It's cooked. - A brush of oil and rosemary. 419 00:46:46,214 --> 00:46:48,258 Lieutenant, want some? 420 00:46:48,550 --> 00:46:50,218 Fire up two steaks! 421 00:46:50,552 --> 00:46:52,887 - What is this stuff? - Camel steaks. 422 00:46:53,263 --> 00:46:55,849 - Where did they come from? - Serra did it. 423 00:47:00,020 --> 00:47:01,187 Wait. 424 00:47:01,605 --> 00:47:03,106 What does that mean? 425 00:47:04,190 --> 00:47:07,235 - Weren't you on lookout today? - Yes, sir. 426 00:47:08,903 --> 00:47:11,948 Tell me exactly where you found the camel. 427 00:47:12,324 --> 00:47:13,658 Right in front of me. 428 00:47:14,075 --> 00:47:17,621 - At the lookout point? - Yes, near there. 429 00:47:17,912 --> 00:47:18,913 Christ. 430 00:47:20,081 --> 00:47:21,625 Show me. 431 00:47:30,800 --> 00:47:32,594 - Here? - There, see the blood? 432 00:47:39,643 --> 00:47:41,978 - How was it killed? - I shot it. 433 00:47:43,980 --> 00:47:45,930 Isn't this supposed to be a mined area? 434 00:47:46,191 --> 00:47:47,317 I believe so. 435 00:47:47,901 --> 00:47:51,404 How did the camel get here without blowing up? 436 00:47:51,655 --> 00:47:52,697 I don't know. 437 00:47:53,615 --> 00:47:55,876 The camel didn't come here by chance. 438 00:47:56,076 --> 00:47:58,420 The British sent it into the minefield. 439 00:47:58,620 --> 00:48:02,874 If it doesn't blow up, that means it's safe. 440 00:48:05,710 --> 00:48:07,128 We have to check the area. 441 00:48:29,401 --> 00:48:30,568 What's the situation? 442 00:48:31,319 --> 00:48:32,779 It's all de-mined here. 443 00:48:33,029 --> 00:48:35,949 There's a clear path of at least five meters here. 444 00:48:36,366 --> 00:48:38,827 - Can you close the gap? - We'll try. 445 00:48:52,757 --> 00:48:54,801 Any news from command? 446 00:48:55,510 --> 00:48:57,345 We've been cut off, we know nothing. 447 00:48:58,513 --> 00:49:01,349 They say the British are preparing an attack. 448 00:49:01,766 --> 00:49:02,776 It's a matter of days. 449 00:49:02,976 --> 00:49:04,676 They're waiting for the full moon. 450 00:49:05,061 --> 00:49:07,063 This time, it'll be a major attack. 451 00:49:08,481 --> 00:49:12,569 We keep finding de-mined areas along the front. 452 00:49:15,238 --> 00:49:18,158 - Which sector will they attack? - They say to be on guard. 453 00:49:18,950 --> 00:49:21,578 They saw heavy movement of vehicles and troops. 454 00:49:22,871 --> 00:49:25,621 Our command is moving the Ariete tanks toward the north. 455 00:49:27,751 --> 00:49:29,669 But that'll leave our rear uncovered. 456 00:49:30,253 --> 00:49:32,653 If they attack with tanks, how will we stop them? 457 00:49:32,922 --> 00:49:34,382 That's what I heard. 458 00:49:35,216 --> 00:49:36,885 Call us if you need us. 459 00:49:37,093 --> 00:49:38,053 Thanks. 460 00:50:39,030 --> 00:50:40,532 You called for me, sir? 461 00:50:41,199 --> 00:50:43,451 Rizzo, sit down. 462 00:50:49,082 --> 00:50:50,292 This arrived. 463 00:50:51,876 --> 00:50:53,336 We're on general alert. 464 00:50:54,629 --> 00:50:56,139 After that de-mined area... 465 00:50:56,339 --> 00:50:59,592 they asked me to send a unit to check the Depression. 466 00:51:00,719 --> 00:51:02,012 The Depression? 467 00:51:03,346 --> 00:51:07,183 They want to be sure the enemy won't attack through the Depression. 468 00:51:08,518 --> 00:51:10,228 That's impossible. 469 00:51:11,271 --> 00:51:14,399 The Depression is impassable, even for Bedouins. 470 00:51:14,649 --> 00:51:19,070 It says here to send some men to verify. 471 00:51:19,529 --> 00:51:22,699 You must find out what happened to the Bersaglieri Unit... 472 00:51:23,408 --> 00:51:25,327 which was posted on look-out. 473 00:51:25,577 --> 00:51:28,371 They haven't reported back in days. Got it? 474 00:51:29,789 --> 00:51:30,874 Good. 475 00:51:31,416 --> 00:51:33,543 Get one of your men and leave right away. 476 00:51:35,253 --> 00:51:36,421 All right. 477 00:51:40,675 --> 00:51:44,012 - If we encounter the enemy? - Leave immediately. 478 00:51:45,180 --> 00:51:47,098 Units are only useful if they return. 479 00:51:49,184 --> 00:51:50,894 Yes, Lieutenant. 480 00:51:53,647 --> 00:51:54,940 Good luck. 481 00:53:06,052 --> 00:53:07,345 Know why I chose you? 482 00:53:08,513 --> 00:53:11,850 Because you're the youngest, you're a volunteer... 483 00:53:12,976 --> 00:53:14,519 and the last to arrive. 484 00:53:31,369 --> 00:53:34,205 We're below sea level here, right? 485 00:53:36,124 --> 00:53:38,960 According to the map we're at 70 below. 486 00:53:40,670 --> 00:53:44,716 It's an oven, it must be at least 50 degrees Celsius. 487 00:53:46,343 --> 00:53:50,013 Don't think about it. The more you think about it, the hotter it feels. 488 00:53:53,516 --> 00:53:55,018 How far have we gone? 489 00:53:56,436 --> 00:53:58,313 About 12 kilometers. 490 00:54:00,857 --> 00:54:03,234 Sergeant, what is it? 491 00:54:04,235 --> 00:54:05,570 It's a mirage. 492 00:54:06,029 --> 00:54:09,491 They call it Morgan le Fay. 493 00:54:42,524 --> 00:54:44,901 What shitty shoes. I got blisters all over. 494 00:55:04,671 --> 00:55:05,672 What is it? 495 00:55:15,974 --> 00:55:18,226 I wonder who drew these. 496 00:55:20,687 --> 00:55:22,188 Once, this area was all green. 497 00:55:23,690 --> 00:55:28,069 There was water, trees, animals... 498 00:55:29,487 --> 00:55:32,949 When the ancient Romans were here? 499 00:55:34,618 --> 00:55:36,036 Long before that... 500 00:55:38,204 --> 00:55:42,175 at least 10,000 years ago. 501 00:55:42,375 --> 00:55:43,668 10,000? 502 00:55:45,170 --> 00:55:47,170 I can't even imagine a number like that. 503 00:55:50,342 --> 00:55:54,346 Studying teaches you lots of things. 504 00:55:56,473 --> 00:56:00,268 I finished elementary school, I can read and write... 505 00:56:01,603 --> 00:56:02,687 but that's it. 506 00:56:04,522 --> 00:56:07,150 At age 10, I was in the hills with the cows. 507 00:56:11,947 --> 00:56:13,740 Know what I miss most? 508 00:56:14,908 --> 00:56:17,243 The green fields behind my house. 509 00:56:20,789 --> 00:56:21,873 There's a plum tree. 510 00:56:22,916 --> 00:56:24,709 I sit under it... 511 00:56:26,878 --> 00:56:27,796 and look up. 512 00:56:34,386 --> 00:56:37,180 - Know how to ski? - No. 513 00:56:40,350 --> 00:56:42,550 Back home, the first snow has already fallen. 514 00:57:19,264 --> 00:57:20,390 See anyone? 515 00:57:22,726 --> 00:57:25,645 No, no one. 516 00:57:26,438 --> 00:57:27,689 Nothing. 517 00:57:29,274 --> 00:57:30,774 What if the British are there? 518 00:57:32,694 --> 00:57:34,487 They'll shoot at us. 519 00:59:30,186 --> 00:59:34,274 If the British made it here, they can make it anywhere. 520 00:59:36,401 --> 00:59:38,351 They're more Bedouin than the Bedouins. 521 00:59:40,030 --> 00:59:41,823 What will we do now? 522 00:59:44,492 --> 00:59:45,702 We'll go back. 523 01:00:24,532 --> 01:00:26,451 - Is today the 23rd? - What? 524 01:00:28,828 --> 01:00:30,121 Is it October 23rd? 525 01:00:31,414 --> 01:00:32,415 Yes. 526 01:00:33,208 --> 01:00:34,250 Why? 527 01:00:34,751 --> 01:00:36,086 It's my wife's birthday. 528 01:00:38,505 --> 01:00:39,589 How old is she? 529 01:00:41,549 --> 01:00:42,676 30. 530 01:00:45,178 --> 01:00:47,013 I haven't seen her in two years. 531 01:00:49,391 --> 01:00:51,643 I wonder if she'd recognize me. 532 01:00:58,775 --> 01:00:59,818 That's the north. 533 01:01:01,111 --> 01:01:02,412 Those are our posts. 534 01:01:02,612 --> 01:01:05,532 These aren't the usual 88's. Let's go. 535 01:01:54,205 --> 01:01:55,332 De Vita. 536 01:02:01,713 --> 01:02:02,881 What are you doing? 537 01:02:05,717 --> 01:02:06,885 Fixing the case. 538 01:02:09,012 --> 01:02:10,388 It's all broken. 539 01:02:12,474 --> 01:02:13,516 How are you? 540 01:02:14,559 --> 01:02:15,602 Fine. 541 01:02:17,020 --> 01:02:18,313 What happened to you? 542 01:02:20,607 --> 01:02:21,816 Nothing, why? 543 01:02:22,359 --> 01:02:26,446 - Your hair turned white. - Really? 544 01:02:29,157 --> 01:02:31,326 - Where's Spagna? - Spagna... 545 01:02:56,309 --> 01:02:58,520 Spagna, how are you? 546 01:02:59,771 --> 01:03:03,525 It came down like hail. 547 01:03:04,192 --> 01:03:05,568 What happened to De Vita? 548 01:03:06,695 --> 01:03:10,499 A grenade landed three meters from him, made a huge hole, but he's fine. 549 01:03:10,699 --> 01:03:13,285 Not a scratch, just his hair. 550 01:03:15,203 --> 01:03:17,163 How many boys did we lose? 551 01:03:18,581 --> 01:03:21,835 At least 20, between dead and injured. 552 01:03:38,310 --> 01:03:41,438 What we expected has happened, the battle has begun. 553 01:03:42,689 --> 01:03:44,589 The British attacked the entire front. 554 01:03:46,318 --> 01:03:50,196 They bombed us, but they didn't attack with tanks and infantry. 555 01:03:52,616 --> 01:03:55,201 They tried to break through the Folgore sector. 556 01:03:58,246 --> 01:04:00,123 They suffered great losses there... 557 01:04:02,250 --> 01:04:03,700 entire companies destroyed... 558 01:04:04,628 --> 01:04:06,171 but they held their position. 559 01:04:07,589 --> 01:04:10,550 They stopped the tanks with incendiary bottles. 560 01:04:12,677 --> 01:04:16,514 An attack is expected tonight, with the full moon. 561 01:04:18,975 --> 01:04:22,228 Our 28th is with Ruspoli's group at point 105. 562 01:04:23,313 --> 01:04:24,731 They want us to go there. 563 01:04:25,982 --> 01:04:28,132 A gap has opened, they want us to patch it. 564 01:04:31,071 --> 01:04:32,989 Are they sending us to croak, sir? 565 01:05:48,857 --> 01:05:50,984 - Who are you? - Pavia Division. 566 01:05:53,194 --> 01:05:54,404 I'm Lt. Fiore. 567 01:05:54,946 --> 01:05:57,699 Lt. Sforza of Folgore, we were waiting for you. 568 01:05:57,991 --> 01:05:59,492 How's your situation here? 569 01:06:00,243 --> 01:06:04,581 Last night was a nightmare. The British bashed us. 570 01:06:04,831 --> 01:06:08,885 The 19th is gone, the 22nd has few remaining defense posts... 571 01:06:09,085 --> 01:06:10,385 and the 6th is surrounded. 572 01:06:10,920 --> 01:06:12,639 We don't know how long they'll hold up. 573 01:06:12,839 --> 01:06:16,426 We stopped them by burning about 30 British tanks. 574 01:06:18,470 --> 01:06:21,556 They told us to reinforce Ruspoli's group at point 105. 575 01:06:23,141 --> 01:06:26,561 Ruspoli's gone, he died this afternoon. 576 01:06:27,020 --> 01:06:31,566 An 88 hit his truck, three officers died. One from the Pavia Division. 577 01:06:35,862 --> 01:06:36,863 What should we do? 578 01:06:37,072 --> 01:06:40,533 Take post at point 115, between the 24th and 20th. 579 01:06:41,201 --> 01:06:42,919 One of my soldiers will bring you there. 580 01:06:43,119 --> 01:06:44,704 Are there tanks? 581 01:06:45,205 --> 01:06:47,716 They promised us the Ariete tanks and the German Panzers... 582 01:06:47,916 --> 01:06:51,336 but we can only count on our forces now. 583 01:07:18,363 --> 01:07:21,366 You three with the Breda, in here. 584 01:07:23,493 --> 01:07:26,329 Tarozzi, there with the mortar. 585 01:07:27,706 --> 01:07:29,165 Three more in there. 586 01:07:30,959 --> 01:07:32,252 Serra, De Vita, in here. 587 01:07:33,295 --> 01:07:35,297 Find some sacks and rebuild the wall. 588 01:07:36,464 --> 01:07:38,049 You two, in here. 589 01:07:38,466 --> 01:07:39,843 Rizzo, there. 590 01:07:42,470 --> 01:07:45,348 You two, in here, set up the pit. 591 01:07:45,932 --> 01:07:48,727 Spagna, get three men and stay here. 592 01:07:52,564 --> 01:07:55,951 Boys, come here. Three more with me. 593 01:07:56,151 --> 01:07:57,527 Take these sandbags. 594 01:07:59,487 --> 01:08:00,488 You two, in here. 595 01:08:05,827 --> 01:08:07,287 De Vita, here. 596 01:08:10,373 --> 01:08:11,758 You all, in here. 597 01:08:11,958 --> 01:08:13,209 You three, over here. 598 01:08:18,548 --> 01:08:20,598 Remove what you don't need from the pits. 599 01:08:22,427 --> 01:08:24,095 Distribute the ammunition. 600 01:08:31,811 --> 01:08:34,364 - De Vita, knock it off! - I'm fixing it. 601 01:08:34,564 --> 01:08:35,982 Fix it some other time. 602 01:08:38,652 --> 01:08:40,070 Fine. 603 01:09:02,926 --> 01:09:04,803 I brought some amphetamines. 604 01:09:07,055 --> 01:09:08,390 So you'll stay awake. 605 01:10:13,663 --> 01:10:15,665 Get down! 606 01:15:49,916 --> 01:15:51,816 De Vita! Where the fuck are you going? 607 01:15:52,502 --> 01:15:53,837 Come back here! 608 01:17:06,284 --> 01:17:10,288 Finally, war, the real kind, has arrived. 609 01:17:12,540 --> 01:17:16,002 I kept an eye on it, like a bus on the corner of a street. 610 01:17:17,796 --> 01:17:19,946 The British broke through the first line... 611 01:17:20,340 --> 01:17:22,342 but they were stopped by the artillery. 612 01:17:23,551 --> 01:17:27,514 They got stuck in the minefields and had to turn back. 613 01:17:28,723 --> 01:17:30,517 Maybe this was the third miracle. 614 01:17:34,604 --> 01:17:36,304 Today I looked horror in the face. 615 01:17:38,441 --> 01:17:39,901 At school they teach us: 616 01:17:41,111 --> 01:17:43,029 "Lucky is he who dies a hero." 617 01:17:44,572 --> 01:17:46,283 I've seen many of these heroes. 618 01:17:47,993 --> 01:17:50,287 Those who die are neither lucky nor unlucky. 619 01:17:51,997 --> 01:17:53,331 They are just dead. 620 01:17:55,375 --> 01:17:57,168 They rot at the bottom of a pit... 621 01:17:57,961 --> 01:17:59,379 without a shred of poetry. 622 01:18:02,215 --> 01:18:04,215 Death is beautiful only in school books. 623 01:18:05,343 --> 01:18:07,971 In real life it's pitiful, horrendous... 624 01:18:08,555 --> 01:18:09,556 and it stinks. 625 01:18:50,639 --> 01:18:52,057 This time, I'm going home. 626 01:18:53,016 --> 01:18:54,476 Of course. 627 01:18:56,061 --> 01:18:57,646 They'll even give you a medal. 628 01:18:58,813 --> 01:19:00,941 If you're lucky, it'll happen to you, too. 629 01:19:07,614 --> 01:19:08,714 See you back in Italy. 630 01:19:11,576 --> 01:19:12,786 See you in Italy. 631 01:19:26,132 --> 01:19:27,550 Write to me, Sergeant. 632 01:19:28,385 --> 01:19:30,387 Got it? Write to me. 633 01:20:19,644 --> 01:20:20,854 What do they say? 634 01:20:21,354 --> 01:20:24,858 II Duce deems it necessary to maintain the front at all costs. 635 01:20:26,651 --> 01:20:27,861 Win or die. 636 01:20:39,247 --> 01:20:41,291 The big battle moved up north. 637 01:20:42,459 --> 01:20:44,336 It overthrew us like a flooded river. 638 01:20:44,794 --> 01:20:46,713 Then, once the flood passed... 639 01:20:47,005 --> 01:20:49,049 it all went back to normal. 640 01:20:50,008 --> 01:20:52,177 It seems they've all forgotten about us. 641 01:20:52,677 --> 01:20:55,221 Our enemies and our command. 642 01:21:18,995 --> 01:21:21,247 The days pass, always the same. 643 01:21:22,332 --> 01:21:24,251 We don't know what will happen to us. 644 01:21:24,751 --> 01:21:27,337 We've become rocks, boulders... 645 01:21:28,255 --> 01:21:30,048 immobile, hard. 646 01:21:31,466 --> 01:21:35,345 Fear no longer exists, because life no longer exists. 647 01:21:37,722 --> 01:21:39,432 We know we can't win. 648 01:21:40,433 --> 01:21:43,770 We're alone, in the middle of the desert. 649 01:21:44,729 --> 01:21:46,439 Alone with our sins. 650 01:21:48,149 --> 01:21:52,279 It's all one great light with no dimensions, no size. 651 01:21:53,947 --> 01:21:56,783 It's all a blinding light... 652 01:21:57,659 --> 01:22:00,245 immense, infinite. 653 01:22:10,839 --> 01:22:14,289 The British broke through up north, the Ariete Division was destroyed. 654 01:22:14,718 --> 01:22:15,969 And the Germans? 655 01:22:16,803 --> 01:22:19,264 They lost almost all of their Armored Divisions. 656 01:22:19,681 --> 01:22:22,681 Rommel decided to retreat, he wants to save the Afrika Korps. 657 01:22:23,893 --> 01:22:26,187 What are our orders? What'll we do? 658 01:22:26,396 --> 01:22:29,274 Disengage and establish a new line of defense... 659 01:22:30,066 --> 01:22:32,485 30 kilometers from here, at Qaret el Khadim. 660 01:22:32,736 --> 01:22:34,386 - The Folgore Division, too? - No. 661 01:22:34,738 --> 01:22:38,199 We're at Gebel Kalakh. They stationed us as rearguards. 662 01:22:39,242 --> 01:22:42,954 Let's hope for the best. They say "disengagement" but they mean "retreat." 663 01:22:43,455 --> 01:22:45,415 Maybe we'll get our hides home safely. 664 01:22:46,249 --> 01:22:47,626 Are they sending trucks? 665 01:22:48,126 --> 01:22:50,879 No, there are none. 666 01:22:51,838 --> 01:22:53,298 We'll have to make do. 667 01:22:56,343 --> 01:22:57,719 May God help us. 668 01:24:13,336 --> 01:24:14,921 Look! The Germans! 669 01:24:21,303 --> 01:24:22,387 Stop! 670 01:24:39,070 --> 01:24:41,239 Italians, you'll die here! 671 01:24:43,950 --> 01:24:45,327 Damn Germans! 672 01:24:59,841 --> 01:25:00,800 Italians! 673 01:25:14,689 --> 01:25:17,150 Stop. Stop, for God's sake! 674 01:25:19,527 --> 01:25:21,538 Not even the Holy Spirit could fit in here! 675 01:25:21,738 --> 01:25:24,699 - There's plenty of room! - We're full! 676 01:25:26,451 --> 01:25:28,203 Let us in! 677 01:25:30,372 --> 01:25:31,331 Son of a bitch! 678 01:26:15,792 --> 01:26:19,429 General. Lt. Fiore, 27th Pavia Infantry... 679 01:26:19,629 --> 01:26:20,589 at your orders. 680 01:26:21,798 --> 01:26:23,008 At ease. 681 01:26:24,551 --> 01:26:26,094 Can we be of help? 682 01:26:26,469 --> 01:26:28,271 No, I don't need anything. 683 01:26:28,471 --> 01:26:29,639 We can dig. 684 01:26:31,933 --> 01:26:35,395 He was my orderly for 15 years, I want to bury him myself. 685 01:26:37,063 --> 01:26:39,608 - You're not wounded? - No. 686 01:26:41,776 --> 01:26:43,778 We're retreating to Qaret el Khadim. 687 01:26:44,237 --> 01:26:47,574 Want us to send a vehicle for you? 688 01:26:48,867 --> 01:26:50,118 Thank you. 689 01:26:50,702 --> 01:26:54,331 Take cover with your men, don't worry about me. 690 01:26:55,582 --> 01:26:56,750 Yes, sir. 691 01:26:58,418 --> 01:27:01,046 Whom did I have the honor of speaking to? 692 01:27:03,340 --> 01:27:06,593 It doesn't matter anymore. 693 01:27:07,969 --> 01:27:09,262 Good luck. 694 01:27:10,305 --> 01:27:11,514 Thanks, Your Excellency. 695 01:28:55,535 --> 01:28:58,663 I want my shoe back! 696 01:29:03,501 --> 01:29:04,794 Here it is! 697 01:29:07,255 --> 01:29:09,466 It's all over, you can go home. 698 01:29:09,799 --> 01:29:11,718 You're going home. 699 01:29:46,711 --> 01:29:48,296 Good evening, Lieutenant. 700 01:29:49,089 --> 01:29:50,507 Where are you going? 701 01:29:52,384 --> 01:29:53,927 To Qaret el Khadim. 702 01:29:54,427 --> 01:29:55,553 This is it. 703 01:29:56,513 --> 01:29:57,773 Where's command? 704 01:29:57,973 --> 01:30:01,101 There isn't one, it's a hospital. 705 01:30:02,477 --> 01:30:04,145 They told us to come here. 706 01:30:04,354 --> 01:30:08,149 The British are everywhere, we've been ordered to retreat to Fuka. 707 01:30:12,279 --> 01:30:13,497 How will we get to Fuka? 708 01:30:13,697 --> 01:30:14,748 That truck is leaving soon. 709 01:30:14,948 --> 01:30:17,742 Get on and leave the injured behind. 710 01:30:18,910 --> 01:30:21,663 - What will you do? - I'm staying here. 711 01:30:22,414 --> 01:30:25,750 We're waiting for the British. They'll take better care of them. 712 01:30:26,626 --> 01:30:27,586 Good luck. 713 01:30:47,272 --> 01:30:49,190 - Tarozzi! - Hello, Serra. 714 01:30:50,358 --> 01:30:51,693 Lieutenant. 715 01:30:53,236 --> 01:30:54,571 How are you? 716 01:30:58,116 --> 01:30:59,200 Here's how I am. 717 01:31:42,285 --> 01:31:43,203 Stop! 718 01:31:56,841 --> 01:31:59,102 Calm down, there's a shelter! 719 01:31:59,302 --> 01:32:01,513 There it is. We're there. 720 01:32:17,862 --> 01:32:19,572 Stop, you can't enter! 721 01:32:20,490 --> 01:32:22,417 They're shooting, we've got injured men. 722 01:32:22,617 --> 01:32:24,836 You can't go in! Understand? 723 01:32:25,036 --> 01:32:28,832 You don't understand, we won't stay out in this bullet storm. 724 01:33:39,027 --> 01:33:42,614 - Look! - What a mess! 725 01:33:46,034 --> 01:33:47,118 Christ! 726 01:33:51,164 --> 01:33:53,208 - Lieutenant? - Yes, sir. 727 01:33:53,625 --> 01:33:54,834 Where are you going? 728 01:33:55,502 --> 01:33:58,472 Retreating to Fuka, taking the injured to the hospital. 729 01:33:58,672 --> 01:34:01,508 Good. Make sure they get better soon... 730 01:34:01,800 --> 01:34:04,250 and go back to the front line as soon as possible. 731 01:34:04,761 --> 01:34:06,846 Aren't we retreating? 732 01:34:07,347 --> 01:34:10,400 This is an active war, sometimes we go forward, sometimes we go back. 733 01:34:10,600 --> 01:34:12,769 It's a strategic retreat, temporary. 734 01:34:13,561 --> 01:34:15,105 Reinforcements are arriving. 735 01:34:20,735 --> 01:34:21,695 Colonel! 736 01:34:22,737 --> 01:34:25,582 We don't have a vehicle. Will you send one for the injured men? 737 01:34:25,782 --> 01:34:27,117 Sure, will do. 738 01:34:28,076 --> 01:34:30,504 An Italian soldier never loses hope. 739 01:34:30,704 --> 01:34:33,415 If he's willing, he'll always find a way. 740 01:34:35,625 --> 01:34:36,668 Shall we go? 741 01:37:17,913 --> 01:37:18,997 Stop! 742 01:37:19,539 --> 01:37:22,092 We've come from Qaret el Khadim. They told us to go to Fuka. 743 01:37:22,292 --> 01:37:23,835 The British are in Fuka. 744 01:37:24,085 --> 01:37:27,464 The 10th Army Corps should gather at Marsa Matruh. 745 01:37:28,048 --> 01:37:31,051 But that's 100 kilometers away! 746 01:37:31,801 --> 01:37:33,770 We don't have a vehicle, we've got injured men. 747 01:37:33,970 --> 01:37:37,020 Those are the orders. I'll go look for the rest of the column. 748 01:38:07,587 --> 01:38:09,297 We proceed haphazardly. 749 01:38:09,756 --> 01:38:11,508 Commands and countermands. 750 01:38:11,925 --> 01:38:15,178 No one knows what's happening, what to do. 751 01:38:18,265 --> 01:38:20,765 We wander through the desert fending for ourselves. 752 01:38:21,351 --> 01:38:23,728 We can only hope something will happen... 753 01:38:24,646 --> 01:38:27,157 anything that will put an end... 754 01:38:27,357 --> 01:38:29,776 to the humiliation of this endless end. 755 01:38:41,580 --> 01:38:43,248 Lieutenant, how's the wound? 756 01:38:45,250 --> 01:38:46,293 Fine. 757 01:38:49,629 --> 01:38:50,729 Want to eat something? 758 01:38:52,173 --> 01:38:53,800 We have some extra canned goods. 759 01:38:54,968 --> 01:38:55,927 No, thanks. 760 01:39:00,348 --> 01:39:01,349 Serra. 761 01:39:10,442 --> 01:39:13,069 - It's the last one? - Eat. 762 01:39:18,950 --> 01:39:21,202 I don't sleep near corpses. It's not right. 763 01:39:24,873 --> 01:39:26,082 It's not right. 764 01:39:29,044 --> 01:39:30,420 This is a cemetery. 765 01:40:18,969 --> 01:40:22,430 Will we make it back home? 766 01:40:27,978 --> 01:40:29,396 We'll make it. 767 01:41:28,955 --> 01:41:33,084 Italian soldiers, command has abandoned you. 768 01:41:33,460 --> 01:41:36,430 The war is over for you, surrender! 769 01:41:36,630 --> 01:41:38,340 Put down your weapons. 770 01:41:38,924 --> 01:41:40,842 Don't resist. 771 01:43:16,229 --> 01:43:17,230 Lieutenant! 772 01:43:21,651 --> 01:43:22,694 I'll help you. 773 01:43:32,579 --> 01:43:35,540 Look! Maybe they're ours. 774 01:44:37,602 --> 01:44:38,728 Start. 775 01:44:42,899 --> 01:44:43,858 Start! 776 01:45:02,752 --> 01:45:05,589 Lieutenant, there's water. 777 01:45:12,721 --> 01:45:14,222 Seems to work. 778 01:45:17,475 --> 01:45:18,727 There's gasoline! 779 01:45:22,314 --> 01:45:24,858 Sergeant, help me pull it out! 780 01:45:45,170 --> 01:45:46,630 It won't start. 781 01:45:51,927 --> 01:45:53,720 - Start! - It's pointless. 782 01:45:56,473 --> 01:45:57,432 Start! 783 01:46:21,289 --> 01:46:24,334 It started! I told you so! 784 01:46:24,876 --> 01:46:28,046 - Maybe we'll make it. - We won't make it. 785 01:46:29,965 --> 01:46:31,174 I won't make it. 786 01:46:33,551 --> 01:46:34,678 You go. 787 01:46:36,221 --> 01:46:40,058 Find a vehicle and come back for me. I'll wait here. 788 01:46:41,309 --> 01:46:43,728 Sergeant, let's go! 789 01:46:44,604 --> 01:46:45,689 I'll help you. 790 01:46:48,066 --> 01:46:49,401 Get on that bike. 791 01:46:51,736 --> 01:46:53,238 Get on that bike. 792 01:47:08,753 --> 01:47:09,796 I'll stay here. 793 01:47:11,256 --> 01:47:13,433 The Lieutenant can't stand up. You go without me. 794 01:47:13,633 --> 01:47:16,177 I won't leave you here. Let's try, Lieutenant! 795 01:47:17,804 --> 01:47:20,807 Too much sand, we won't even move two meters. Go. 796 01:47:21,182 --> 01:47:23,318 Let's try anyway! We've got to get out of here. 797 01:47:23,518 --> 01:47:27,280 You have more chance alone, to find the column, a trail. 798 01:47:27,480 --> 01:47:28,940 We have to go! 799 01:47:31,443 --> 01:47:32,402 Go. 800 01:47:36,156 --> 01:47:38,199 Fine, but I'll come back. 801 01:47:39,200 --> 01:47:40,285 I swear! 802 01:47:42,704 --> 01:47:43,663 I know you will. 803 01:47:45,248 --> 01:47:49,210 Lieutenant, hold on. I'll get a vehicle and come back! 804 01:49:00,323 --> 01:49:05,036 The battle of El Alamein was fought from October 23 to November 4, 1942. 805 01:49:07,747 --> 01:49:10,967 104,000 men of the Italian and German Army 806 01:49:11,167 --> 01:49:14,504 faced 195,000 men of the 8th British Army. 807 01:49:16,298 --> 01:49:18,392 The Italians and Germans suffered 808 01:49:18,592 --> 01:49:21,645 9,000 dead and 15,000 wounded, and 35,000 prisoners. 809 01:49:21,845 --> 01:49:24,931 The British suffered 4,600 dead and 8,500 wounded. 810 01:49:26,516 --> 01:49:28,151 The 10th Italian Army Corps, 811 01:49:28,351 --> 01:49:31,196 made up of the Brescia, Folgore, and Pavia Divisions, 812 01:49:31,396 --> 01:49:33,698 which was positioned in the southern sector, 813 01:49:33,898 --> 01:49:36,234 was completely destroyed during the retreat. 814 01:49:38,695 --> 01:49:40,697 PAVILION 297 815 01:50:11,811 --> 01:50:16,524 UNKNOWN