Soldato Semplice

In 1917, Gino Montanari, an elementary school teacher from Romagna, was forced by the principal of his school to volunteer for the First World War because of his libertine and anti-interventionist behavior. With the threat of being expelled from all schools if he refused, Gino was reluctantly sent to the front in a small outpost in Valtellina, where as a heliographer he had to transmit Morse signals with sunlight. His life would be profoundly changed by his encounter with a young illiterate man, with the enemy, and with a series of individuals from various parts of Italy.

Directed by Paolo Cevoli, Soldato Semplice leans on a strong ensemble — Paolo Cevoli, Antonio Orefice, Luca Lionello — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about war titles of 2015.