Less a war movie than a study of the human spirit, Comandante is set in 1940 in the world of the submariner.
Salvatore Todaro (Pierfrancesco Favino – World War Z and Angels & Demons) was a real-life World War II veteran, who even though he was saddled with a severe back injury continued to serve in the Italian army. He was given command of the submarine Comandante Cappellini and asked to join the Battle of the Atlantic.
That battle, which was the longest continuous military campaign of the War was a horrendous campaign and led to an unimaginable number of casualties both civilian and military. During the mission, the Comandante Cappellini sinks a Belgian cargo ship called the Kabalo and Todaro goes against orders and rescues the surviving crew members and takes them to safety.
Favino plays Todaro as an almost mystical character and the film is filled with his eloquent musings. His strong morality is tested time and time again and he proves to be up to the task. The tight confines of life on a forties-era submarine and its claustrophobic nature are played as a strong contributor to the story, especially when he takes on board the rescued crew members.
Even though several crew members fit the description of the usual suspects, the soulful cook, the dedicated second in command and the sacrificing crew members, the film never degenerates into cliche scenarios. Even though World War II provides the backdrop, the heart and soul are provided by the men and their unwavering humanity in this time of war.
Rob Hudson
Comandante screenings in Brisbane
Palace Barracks
Friday 20th September 3:10pm
Tuesday 24th September 8:30pm
Friday 27th September 1:00pm
Monday 30th September 6:00pm
Friday 4th October 8:30pm
Tuesday 8th October 3:20pm
Sunday 13th October 10:30am
Palace James St
Sunday 22nd September 10:00am
Thursday 26th September 1:10pm
Monday 30th September 5:40pm
Tuesday 1st October 10:15am
Friday 4th October 1:10pm
Friday 11th October 3:30pm
Monday 14th October 5:50pm
Tuesday 15th October 8:30pm
Wednesday 16th October 4:10pm
2024 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival runs in Brisbane from 19 September – 16 October, and will take place at the Palace James Street and Palace Barracks cinemas.
Click here for more information about the festival, or head to the official website for more information and to book your tickets!
www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
