Roman and Francesca

A Soviet trading ship sank into the Italian port. Sailor Roman went ashore. In one of the squares he heard singing. It was sung by Francesca. The sailor was delighted with her voice and beauty. They wandered for a long time that day on ancient streets and squares. And the next morning the war began. The Soviet ship had to urgently return to their homeland. It was difficult to part in love, but they believe that they will definitely meet.

Directed by Volodymyr Denysenko, Roman and Francesca leans on a strong ensemble — Pavel Morozenko, Lyudmila Gurchenko, Mykhailo Zadniprovskyi — 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 drama titles of 1961.