The Scarlet and the Black

An absolute classic - a great story of humanism, good against Nazism... The real story of Hugh O'Flaherty and Herbert Kappler, holder of the SS-Ehrenring. Formally, it works like a big action movie, even though it is a TV film. Its main assets are the mature performances of Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer. If you have gaps in the Italian chapter of WWII, go for it. The whole mosaic is of course very well complemented by the younger film Tea with Mussolini (1999). (10/05/2023)

A great movie. You'll believe it was based on true events thanks to the performances of Gregory Peck and Christopher Plummer, who are... Well... Great. Their first encounter at the opera and subsequent confrontations (including a superb scene where Father O'Flaherty stands smiling behind the white line while Colonel Kappler watches him through a rifle scope) gradually build and build until they culminate in the finale at the Colosseum, where two extraordinary men face each other, who only need thoughts and words to battle each other. They don't need any other weapons. The Scarlet and the Black is a thrilling spectacle full of unforgettable scenes (the execution, the disguises) and supported by the excellent music of one Ennio Morricone. Five stars. (07/06/2011)

One wouldn't even think they'd see another WWII film that would captivate them, but that's exactly what happened to me. It’s thanks to the main acting duo, where Christopher Plummer in particular showcases his mastery in a character who could have been overtly negative but simply isn't. The finale is beautifully dark and moving. (09/06/2016)