The Great War
Seen it?1959 | 137 min | Comedy, War, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With almost no lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and history buffs. If you loved Paths of Glory or War Horse, start here.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 17 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1959: an older pace and style.
Italy, 1916. Oreste Jacovacci and Giovanni Busacca are called, as all the Italian youths, to serve the army in the WWI. They both try in every way to avoid serving the army.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesSolid
8.1 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Venice award: Golden Lion. Also nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 9K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Paths of Glory
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war drama.
War Horse Friday Night FlickAnother war drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
All Quiet on the Western Front Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war drama.
Journey's End
Sunday Safe BetAnother war drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Little Boy
Monday Morning MaybeAnother war dramedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Mario Monicelli
- Vittorio GassmanGiovanni Busacca
- Alberto SordiOreste Jacovacci
- Silvana ManganoCostantina
- Folco LulliBordin
- Bernard BlierCapitano Castelli
- Romolo ValliTenente Gallina
- Vittorio SanipoliMaggiore Venturi
- Nicola AriglianoGiardino
- Mario ValdemarinSottotenente Lorenzi
- Tiberio MitriMandich