At War for Love
Overview
It's 1943 and World War II is raging in Europe. In New York, Arturo and Flora the daughter of a restaurant owner are in love, but she is promised in marriage to the son of a Mafia boss. There is a way around this, but to be able to marry Flora, Arturo needs to get permission from her father, who lives in a village in Sicily. Arturo doesn't have any money, so the only way he can get to Sicily is to enlist in the U.S. Army, which is preparing for a landing on the island.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
The film touches upon the historical practice of 'proxy marriages,' prevalent among Italian immigrants during WWII. These unions allowed individuals to legally marry someone in another country without being physically present, offering a pathway to immigration and escape from conflict-ridden areas. The film subtly highlights the struggles and sacrifices faced by Italian immigrants seeking a better life abroad.
- Excellent performances, particularly by Miriam Leone and Andrea Pennacchi, who portray characters with depth and emotional complexity.
- A compelling and unique plot focusing on 'proxy marriage' to escape wartime Italy, offering a fresh perspective on WWII stories.
- The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, desperation, and the lengths people will go to for freedom and family during times of conflict.
- Visually stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and harsh realities of Sicily and America in the 1940s.
Fun Facts
- Director Pif (Pierfrancesco Diliberto) also stars in the movie as the main character, Arturo Giammarresi.
- The film's original Italian title is 'In Guerra Per Amore,' which translates directly to 'At War for Love', emphasizing the central theme of love within the context of war.
- The Sicilian setting adds a layer of authenticity, as the director Pif himself is Sicilian, drawing upon his cultural heritage to enrich the film's narrative and visuals.