Violent Summer 1959
Valerio Zurlini's Violent Summer (1959) paints a haunting portrait of fleeting romance against the dark backdrop of World War II.
Director: Valerio Zurlini
Cast
Eleonora Rossi Drago
Roberta Parmesan
Jean-Louis Trintignant
Carlo Caremoli
Jacqueline Sassard
Rosanna
Cathia Caro
Serena
Lilla Brignone
La madre di Roberta
Raf Mattioli
Giorgio
Federica Ranchi
Maddalena
Giampiero Littera
Daniele
Bruno Carotenuto
Giulio
Tina Gloriani
Emma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Violent Summer (1959) about?
Violent Summer (1959) unfolds in occupied Italy during the summer of 1943, where a wealthy young man avoids conscription while forging a fragile romance with a war widow. Their relationship becomes a fragile sanctuary amid the chaos of war, testing the boundaries of passion and survival.
Who directed Violent Summer?
Violent Summer was directed by Valerio Zurlini, a filmmaker known for his emotionally rich storytelling and atmospheric dramas.
Who stars in Violent Summer?
The film stars Eleonora Rossi Drago, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Jacqueline Sassard, Cathia Caro, and Lilla Brignone in pivotal roles.
Is Violent Summer (1959) worth watching?
Violent Summer is a compelling watch for fans of 1950s dramas and war-themed romances, offering a poignant blend of romance and historical tension. While it's not widely rated on IMDb, its artistic merit and emotional depth make it a standout title for cinephiles.
How long is Violent Summer?
Violent Summer runs for 96 minutes, a concise runtime that packs emotional weight into its brief running time.
About Violent Summer (1959) — A Forbidden Romance in the Shadow of WWII
Valerio Zurlini's Violent Summer (1959) paints a haunting portrait of fleeting romance against the dark backdrop of World War II. Set in the summer of 1943 along the sun-drenched shores of Riccione, the film follows Carlo Caremoli, a privileged young man who dodges military service while the war's shadow looms ever closer. His chance encounter with Roberta, a war widow with a young daughter, sparks a passionate connection that feels both tender and doomed. As their bond deepens, Roberta risks everything in a world where love and survival collide.
With its evocative blend of drama, romance, and war, Violent Summer captures the tension between carefree youth and the relentless march of history. Zurlini's direction lends the film a melancholic beauty, while the stellar cast—led by Eleonora Rossi Drago, Jean-Louis Trintignant, and Jacqueline Sassard—brings raw emotional depth to their roles. The result is a poignant meditation on fleeting moments of joy in a world tearing itself apart.
