Film & TV for the Italy course

Directed by Roberto Rossellini and released in 1945, Rome, Open City is set in Rome during the Nazi occupation. The full version with English subtitles is available here.

Another film by Roberto Rossellini and released in 1946, Paisan is set during the Italian campaign during the Second World War as the tide of war was turning against Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy. The full version with English subtitles is available here.

A 1985 film about the strained relationship between Mussolini and foreign minister Count Galeazzo Ciano and based on Ciano's war diaries. (see Italy reading list). Watch the trailer here.

A two part drama from 1985 that follows the rise, rule and fall of Benito Mussolini. Part 1 available here and Part 2 here.

A 1999 film that is not exactly a historically based film, but it does show what Italy was like under Mussolini in the 1930s. Full film available here.

Originally a book, this 2001 film is ultimately involves a love story and a dodgy Italian accent from Nicholas Cage. However, it shows the Italian occupation of the Greek islands during the Second World War and shows how inept the Italian army was. Full film available here.