A film about the cruelty and senselessness of war, but also about how God, through people who are open to his love, can turn even much evil into great good. A war film that does not show mindless depictions of fighting and killing, but focuses on the fates and experiences of individuals whose lives have been affected by war.

Don Gnocchi begins as an educator and teacher of the young during World War II. He is appointed as a military chaplain. Later, he himself wants to be a spiritual support to the soldiers at the front.

He is with the soldiers on the front line and so experiences first-hand how much evil war brings. Later, his students, full of unreasoning enthusiasm and idealism, also volunteer for the war, and so Gnocchi goes with them to the front in Russia.

Fighting in Russia cures the boys of their naive perception of war, and several of them die in the fighting or return with serious injuries. On his return from Russia, Don Gnocchi takes on another difficult task to acquaint the relatives of the deceased soldiers with the last moments, wishes and legacies of their sons, husbands and fathers.

Don Gnocchi eventually takes on the care of the orphaned children of the deceased soldiers. There are very many nice moments in the film, expressions of love from one people to another and various acts of mercy.

Interwoven through the plot is Mathew and Francesco’s infatuation with the same girl – Sara. Matheo eventually disowns Sara, and Sara, after much hesitation, marries Francesco. Matheo is missing for a long time, but reappears after some time.

Despite the feelings Matheo and Sara have for each other, they are both determined to respect that Sara is married to Francesco. Matheo, however, is still angry at life, nursing unforgiveness and self-pity. The little crippled children teach him a lesson because they value life more than he does. Eventually, thanks to Gnocchi’s love, Matheo also finds meaning and fulfillment in life.

The fruit of the life of Don Gnocchi and his followers is an amazing work that continues to this day, bringing help especially to those whose lives have been marked by war.

Parents Guide: 2x kissing of the student Matthew with the girl – Sarah, with whom he has fallen in love. Later, Sara kisses twice with Francesco, whom she eventually marries. War scenes with dying soldiers, Shooting of a deserter. German soldier shooting at children. Shots of dead soldiers. Amputation of the leg of one of the boys. 1x vulgar language. Several war scenes. Not the happiest way of confession portrayed.

Cast: Daniele Liotti, Valeri Yordanov, Mattia Sbragia

Crew: Cinzia Th. Torrini

Italy, 2004

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