The Great War 1959
"The great battle spectacle of our time!"
Set against the brutal frontlines of World War I in 1916 Italy, *The Great War (1959)* follows two reluctant soldiers whose only mission is survival.
Director: Mario Monicelli
Cast
Vittorio Gassman
Giovanni Busacca
Alberto Sordi
Oreste Jacovacci
Silvana Mangano
Costantina
Folco Lulli
Bordin
Bernard Blier
Capitano Castelli
Romolo Valli
Tenente Gallina
Vittorio Sanipoli
Maggiore Venturi
Nicola Arigliano
Giardino
Mario Valdemarin
Sottotenente Lorenzi
Tiberio Mitri
Mandich
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Great War (1959) about?
*The Great War* follows two Italian conscripts in 1916 who resort to increasingly desperate schemes to avoid fighting in World War I. Their reluctant journey through the trenches and behind-the-scenes chaos of the army reveals the absurdity and horror of war.
Who directed The Great War?
Mario Monicelli, the acclaimed Italian director behind classics like *Big Deal on Madonna Street*, helmed *The Great War*.
Who stars in The Great War?
The film features Vittorio Gassman and Alberto Sordi in the lead roles, supported by Silvana Mangano, Bernard Blier, and Folco Lulli.
Is The Great War (1959) worth watching?
Absolutely—Monicelli's blend of dark comedy and wartime drama is both entertaining and profound. Its sharp performances and biting satire make it a standout film of its era, blending humor with the harsh realities of war.
How long is The Great War?
The runtime of *The Great War* is 137 minutes.
About The Great War (1959) — A darkly comic masterpiece of WWI survival
Set against the brutal frontlines of World War I in 1916 Italy, *The Great War (1959)* follows two reluctant soldiers whose only mission is survival. Directed by the legendary Mario Monicelli, this darkly comedic yet poignant drama stars Vittorio Gassman and Alberto Sordi as Oreste Jacovacci and Giovanni Busacca—two men whose desperate antics to dodge duty highlight the absurdity of war. With sharp wit and heartbreaking realism, the film balances humor and pathos, exploring themes of cowardice, camaraderie, and the human cost of conflict. Silvana Mangano and Bernard Blier round out the stellar cast, grounding the story in emotional depth as the characters navigate trenches, bureaucracy, and the sheer unpredictability of fate.
Monicelli's masterpiece isn't just a war movie; it's a razor-sharp satire wrapped in wartime chaos. The chemistry between Gassman and Sordi elevates the material, turning what could have been a grim historical drama into a timeless commentary on fear, resilience, and the lengths people go to protect themselves. The film's tone walks a tightrope between laughter and tragedy, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
