The film “To the Top – Pier Giorgio Frassati” (2023) is a 52-minute Italian drama that focuses on a single day Pier Giorgio Frassati spent hiking in the mountains with friends. A prominent symbol of the film is the phrase “Verso l’alto” (“To the Top” or “To the Heights”), which Frassati wrote on a photograph from a mountaineering trip a few weeks before his sudden death at the age of 24.

The story begins with an early morning Mass, continues with a train ride to the mountains and the climb itself, interspersed with flashbacks to Frassati’s life as a student and the son of a prominent Italian journalist and diplomat.

The film shows Frassati’s devotion to prayer and Holy Mass, his generosity toward the poor, and his opposition to fascism. At the same time, it portrays his indifference to his own comfort and his deep joy in living for others and in the Catholic faith.

Frassati comes across as a spiritually mature young man who was also very human, joyful, and friendly.

Drama

Italy, 2023, 52 min

Cast: Daniela Gurrieri;

Crew: Francesco Buttironi, Daniele De Angelis, Andrea Di Luigi, Gabriele Di Stadio, Anastasia Germano, Martina Massaro, Priscilla Muscat, Sibilla Scinti Roger, Federico Rossi, Brutius Selby;

Parents’ Guide:

It is worthwhile to support quality art by purchasing it. Supporting good cinema not only helps produce high-quality films, but is also a sign of integrity and respect toward the creators.