Suddenly, Love Becomes Lust… Innocence becomes shame… As two women are trapped by violent passion and unforgettable terror!|Dec. 23, 1960|Italy|100 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Drama;War
Description: Cesira, a widowed shopkeeper played by Loren, lives in Rome during World War II, raising her twelve-year-old religious daughter, Rosetta, portrayed by Brown. After Rome is bombed, Cesira and Rosetta escape to Ciociaria, a rural mountainous region in central Italy where Cesira was born. Before leaving, Cesira sleeps with Giovanni, a coal dealer in her neighborhood who agrees to manage her store in her absence.
In Ciociaria, Cesira catches the attention of Michele, a young local intellectual with communist leanings. Rosetta forms a strong bond with him, seeing him as a father figure. However, Michele is later captured by German soldiers and forced to guide them through the mountains.
Following the Allies’ capture of Rome in June 1944, Cesira and Rosetta decide to return to the city. During their journey, both are tragically gang-raped by Moroccan Goumiers, soldiers allied with the invading forces. The assault leaves Rosetta deeply traumatized, stripping her of her innocence and causing emotional detachment from her mother.
Upon finding shelter in a nearby village, Rosetta disappears overnight, leaving Cesira frantic. Cesira believes Rosetta has gone to search for Michele, only to later discover that Michele was killed by the Germans. Rosetta eventually returns, having spent time with an older boy who gave her silk stockings. Cesira, outraged, confronts and disciplines Rosetta, but her daughter remains emotionally distant.
When Cesira informs Rosetta of Michele’s death, Rosetta finally breaks down, crying like the child she was before the traumatic events. The film concludes with Cesira comforting her daughter, highlighting their complex and heartbreaking journey.
Cast director: Vittorio De Sica
Cast actor: Sophia Loren, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Raf Vallone, Eleonora Brown, Carlo Ninchi, Andrea Checchi, Pupella Maggio, Emma Baron, Antonella Della Porta, Bruna Cealti
Original name: La ciociara