- Where are you going? - To the front line.
The artillery fire has decreased.
Is the battle over?
No, my son.
It's just beginning.
Let's go.
Look at this earth, Terenzi.
Lifeless. Dead.
I don't understand, Giuseppe.
But I do.
Nothing will come of this.
If we conquer them ...
what can those who survive the war do with it?
Nothing.
We'll have given our lives for nothing,
Chin up!
It's always like this, the first time.
The first time is always a shock.
We should begin with the second time.
Good idea.
We'll see blood spilt and we'll laugh our guts out.
Give it a rest, boys!
Hear that? The overture.
Now it's our turn.
We're the chorus.
Excuse me.
Anyone got any cigaretttes?
Look here!
Hand-stitched! What do you think of that?
We have a virgin.
What's the matter? Have you gone mad?
Can't a man joke any more?
If you want start on others, you'll soon get the chance.
Okay, okay!
And I'll tell you something else.
In New York you can say "okay" as much as you like.
But here you only say: "Yes, sir. Certainly, sir."
I'll stop it.
Okay. Certainly, sir.
I can't understand why you didn't stay in America.
Because they paid the volunteers for the return trip.
By then, I'll have had enough of all this fun.
You think it's fun here?
You must be an idiot.
Dear God, protect Major Lupo,
Bloz, Tirenzi, Sopranzi...
...and Coringrato, Americano and Morini,
Giuseppe, Martini, and everyone else.
And also Captain Favero.
We must pray for all.
For all our brothers, even those fighting on the other side.
The Austrians?
They're people like Giuseppe, or Coringrato.
Do you think they'll pray for you, Don Giuliano?
I hope they'll also pray for us.
God's kingdom is for all of us.
And also protect our...
...Austrian brothers.
They're getting closer, Mino.
I must go to them.
I must go and be a soldier.
I must offer them spiritual support, you understand?
Are you afraid to stay here alone?
No. You go.
No! Keep away, leave me alone!
I'm Don Giuliano. Don't point that gun at me.
What's the matter?
Let go of me! No!
Calm down!
I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid!
I'm not afraid.
You know, Pin...
...they say that Grappa gives you courage.
I heard that from Bloz.
Maybe it's true.
It burns like fire!
Do you hear, Pin? I think they've stopped.
Perhaps I should go to Don Giuliano.
But you stay here.
Even if they shoot at you...
...stay here. I'll be back soon.
You stay here and be good.
I'll tie you up.
Then you can't get away. Wait here.
Don Giuliano!
Help!
Don Giuliano!
Favero?
I've lost half my men, Major.
Bloz!
Bloz, I'm coming!
Don Giuliano! But...
What's this?
You're bleeding.
It's nothing. Just a scratch.
- In Mino with you? - Mino?
I lost consciousness.
And when I went back, I found Pin, tied up,
but no sign of Mino.
I can't find him anywhere.
Oh, my God!
Pin brought me here.
So I thought Mino was here.
Where's Mino?
Pin, search!
What's happened?
Mino's vanished. Field glasses!
What's that dog doing there?
He's looking for something. Don't shoot the dog!
Where is he going?
Mino!
My God, he's lying there!
- There's a child lying there! - Hold your fire!
Is he still alive, sir?
I can't tell. Possibly.
What shall we do, Major?
He's right in the line of enemy fire.
We'll have to wait till tomorrow morning.
He may not be alive by then.
I'll go and get him, Major.
No, I'll go!
No, me!
Favero's right, Major. It's too dangerous.
I will go.
The Austrians will see the cross on my arm.
Thank you, Don Giuliano.
But this is not your task.
Something's happening.
He's waving the white flag!
A negotiator!
And another behind him.
- Is he alive? - Yes.
Cut the wire!
Thank you.
You! Clear this away.
Coringrato! Tip it out.
Andrea!
Sergeant, come quick!
Major!
Put him with the others.
Major!
Do you have something to say, Captain?
Put him with those who fell honourably?
- Take him there. - But Major...
No discussion, Captain!
Or do you want his parents to hear how he died?
But...
Dismissed!
Dying a hero's death for the Fatherland:
Alpino Prosso, Giovanni...
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Alpino Marzato, Gabriele.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Alpino Basti, Luigi.
Alpino Marcetto, Francesco.
Alpino Ron, Franco.
Alpino Rossi, Ettore.
Lieutenant Latini, Alfredo.
Alpino Bloz, Marcello.
Bye, Pin.
You can't come with me.
Be good, and get better.
So you can run again, like you used to.
Don't worry. We'll look after him.
And you make sure you can run again.
What will the war be like without you, eh?
All the best.
As you were, Alpino Giacomo Rasi!
Bye, Mino! Come back when you're better!
Bye, Americano, Don Giuliano, Coringrato, Sopranzi!
Come on, you're staying with us.
Savoys!
Oh, God! Here we go again with the professor!
He's not well. Be quiet!
What's the matter with him?
Savoys!
See, professor? We're wounded, too.
And we're soldiers.
Blest with happiness...
... because your chest was pierced by the enemy's lance.
Yes, it is fine to die for the Fatherland.
Yes, it is fine.
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.
Ah! Splendid, Corporal!
I shall recommend you for a bravery medal.
There must be thousands like you.
And you, you little ... great hero.
In a thousand battles...
...I will always think of you.
Field Marshal, your country thanks you!
Alma a terra lazia!
The homeland that once gave you the gift of life...
...you now give back.
Back.
Let's go on.
You! Which letter is that?
- An "M". - Correct. And that?
"N".
- "O". - Good. Now you.
What is that?
"A".
Do you think it's right to make Alpino Rasi...
Giuseppe!
Lupo!
Never mind, lads. Sit down.
We'll do some more later.
Why are you still lying in bed?
You should be running about outside!
I'm not chasing people!
No surprise, with that lot!
They're too big for me.
Giuseppe, show it to him.
What?
See for yourself.
For me?
A present from the batallion.
They've written their names on it.
Those who can write.
Americano, Sopranzi, Lupo, Giuseppe... Favero?
He insisted.
Don Giuliano, Coringrato...
Coringrato cheated. He got someone else to write his name.
Tell them all "thanks".
And now we'll try them out. Come on!
Is it all right here?
Yes. And how are you up there?
We're freezing to death. Where we are, it's winter.
And Pin?
How's Pin?
Why haven't you brought him with you?
Very good.
So good that he decided to do a runner.
What does that mean, "do a runner"?
We couldn't keep him locked up.
I'm sure he'll turn up again some day.
A dog like that could overcome the Devil himself!
Don't worry, he'll come back.
You'll see. He'll find you, for sure.
There you are, you namby-pamby!
Nice, here, I must say!
Floral decorations...
Beauty in San Remo!
You! Surname, forename...
Gunner Filotto, Giovanni.
Treviso Regiment, 1st battery.
What are you doing here, lying among the sick?
Not that there ARE any...
Ah! I've got some good news for you.
You've been declared fit.
- But I'm... - None of that.
Get up, Filotto. It's here in black and white.
And what's the matter with you?
I'm very unwell.
- Surname, forename... - Garnardo, Federico.
Your name's not here. Stay in bed.
So, men, my name is Balestra.
Captain Balestra.
I'm here because I was called here.
If it was up to me, you'd all be sent home to mama.
But your commanders want you back so much...
...we've arranged transport for you!
So if I read out your name, get ready to leave.
I'll be taking you with me back to the front.
Got it?
Aiata, Anzelmi, Bergotsi, Berti,
Filotto, Orlandi, Ribando,
Vontanari...
Why are you pulling such faces? We're not going to a funeral!
Chin up!
The main thing is you're healthy.
Early tomorrow, on the dot, we're off!
Who's that, who thinks he can hide?
You! Come here!
Who are you? You're a child!
Who is this?
You'd better explain to me what this boy's doing in a hospital ward.
The way it looks with all these flowers,
you'd think it was a kindergarten.
But this is a hospital.
I've no idea, Captain.
No idea, huh?
I've been here for two months.
But my leg still hurts.
Really? I'd never have known.
Especially in the morning.
Want to bet you can't walk out of here on it?
You said your papa is called Michele. Right?
Yes.
What would you say to a little drink?
Some Grappa?
Why not? Don't you like it?
I had a bad experience with Grappa.
It's a good drink. Just have a mouthful.
- But why? - You'll see.
First, have a drink.
Listen to me.
Your father's alive.
What did you say?
Yes, your papa's alive.
He's a captain in the artilley, commanding an observation post.
That's not true.
That's not true!
Calm down. I know him personally.
Very likeable, if a little sad.
Which is no surprise, after what you've told me.
It can't be!
You're making it up.
He's Professor of Mathematics at the University of Milan.
Tomorrow you can see for youself. I'll take you to him.
That's if your leg doesn't hurt.
What is it? What are you waiting for?
Do you want to hug me?
Anzelmi, Bergotsi, Berti,
Gibello. One after the other.
Luigi, Luisi...
Sister, don't polish the boy so much,
or the women will abduct him before we get there!
Vontanari...
Wait here.
I've come to see the boy.
I'm sorry, Major. The boy is outside.
He's about to leave.
Ribando...
One after the other.
You can sit with me up front.
Captain! Where are you going with the boy?
Major, I'm Captain Balestra.
Major Lupo.
I asked you something. Where are you taking the boy?
To the mountains.
On whose orders?
- What do you care? - How dare you!
He's taking me to my father!
But...
I thought he was dead.
Yes. He knows him.
My father was saved from the avalanche.
He's alive!
Is this true?
Yes. Captain Rasi's a friend of mine.
Well, we're acquainted.
I came to take you home for a few days.
To Aosta.
You know, on leave.
You can't.
So, when you've said goodbye, we'll leave.
Major.
I'm happy for you.
It's like a miracle.
I'm happy. Really.
I'm happy too.
When the war's over,
will you come and visit us in Milan?
Yes.
Then you can get to know my father.
He's like you, so...
...so good.
I must apologise for my rudeness, Captain.
Really? I hadn't noticed.
And look after him!
To me, he's like a son.
Yes.
I'll keep my eye on him. Don't worry.
Goodbye, Alpino.
I wish you much happiness.
Major.
Goodbye!
Mino! See, on the top of that mountain?
That's where your father is.
Really?
Yes. He's an artillery observer. The eyes of the artillery!
The eyes?
You know, a big cannon is very stupid.
It spits out shells without thinking.
The eyes of the artillery, the observer's post,
steers it. Right, left a bit...
Aims it right at the bullseye.
And then the stupid shells go exactly where they're supposed to.
The observation post tells the shells where to land.
Sentry!
I have to take the men to Asiago.
I'll put you down here.
Your father's on the top. You can't go wrong.
Sentry!
Sir!
I'm Captain Balestra.
Take this boy to the cable car immediately.
When you get to the cable car, you're almost there.
It'll take you to the top. Understand?
Yes.
Take good care of him.
I hope you don't suffer from vertigo?
No, don't worry.
I'll take the boy there.
Thank you.
No need to thank me.
Tell your father if he goes to Rome, he should bring you.
Bargo Pion 66, that's my address. Got it?
I will.
Let's go! Drive!
Go to the end of the path, then you're there.
He's going to see his father, Captain Rasi.
It's against regulations.
And how do I know you're really Captain Rasi's son?
Let someone telephone him. Please!
Telephone him? How?
The only connection with the peak is the bell.
It rings when they want to send the cable car down,
and we do the opposite, from below to above. Just like that.
Please let me talk to him! Please!
I'm sorry.
Anyway, it's not a good moment.
The General himself could be here at any moment.
The General?
Come on, boys, get those cases shifted!
Put a bit of effort into it!
You've heard. It's not happening.
I beg you! My father's up there!
I've had a long journey and at last I've found him!
Enough of that moaning!
I really have better things to do.
I beg you! I'm two minutes away from my father.
I haven't seen him for two years.
Oh, all right then, get in! Before I change my mind.
Up you go!
Thank you, Sergeant! Thank you!
Papa! Papa!
My God! Mino!
Go to Lieutenant Boldini!
Are you coming back?
I've been transferred. Did you hear me? Lieutenant Boldini!
Can't you get off?
I must go at once!
In the ditch!
Your father's just been transferred.
That's why he went down in the cable car.
I must go to him!
Impossible! The cable's been hit!
Isn't there another way down?
No. You'd have to go on foot.
The telephone is connected to the next position.
Your father will get a message to you.
You'll see!
Mino, can you hear me?
Papa, can you hear me?
Please speak louder!
Mama's all right. She's alive.
Mino, can you hear me?
What did you say? What was that about Mama?
She's in Treviglio, at the Villa Fiorita.
Go there. I'm going to Asiago.
Go to Mama, do you understand?
Tell Lieutenant Boldini to make the necessary arrangements.
Mino, can you hear me?
Lost connection.
We don't have another line. Go to the battery.
Mama's alive!
Hello, hello?
Lieutenant! My mother's alive!
Listen to me! My mother's alive. You must help me!
Get down!
We must get out of here. We're right in the line of fire.
Lieutenant Boldini!
Mino! You're not injured?
Lean on me.
They're all dead. A direct hit.
Lieutenant! Get under cover, quick!
Hey, there's a cow!
We should take it with us.
Just what we need.
We could use this pail, too.
Come on!
Keep still, Lieutenant!
"Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles, son of Peleus,"
"that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans."
"Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades,"
"and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures,"
"for so were the counsels of Jove fulfilled"
"from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men,"
"king of men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one another."
"Which of the gods set them quarrelling?"
"It was the son of Jove and Leto..."
What's this?
What are you doing? What's the matter?
Will the Lieutenant survive?
With a bit of luck.
You did well. But where have you come from?
From the artillery observation post.
On foot?
First by mule, then on foot.
Unbelievable!
Do you know where Treviglio is? I have to get there.
On foot?
I don't know. Or by train. Or by...
Why are you asking us for transport?
How else can he get home, Sergeant?
The Austrians are coming from the hills.
If Asiago falls...
...we can all pack up and go on leave.
Are they advancing on Asiago?
Have you got someone..?
My father.
Well, you can stop worrying.
Asiago is secure. They won't take it.
Oh, good.
Mama...
Take this.
Take it, take it!
You need a wash.
When I take you home, you can put on some new ones.
Sit down.
You must be brave, on your feet the whole day!
Every morning before he went to school, he came to me to tie his cravat.
I still can't tie it.
When I put the sandwich in his schoolbag, I found it among his books.
Always tin soldiers.
He had so many of them!
So many tin soldiers!
Carthaginians, Italians, Greeks...
They were... Austrians.
I often heard laughter at play.
I must go.
Don't go, Mama! Please!
Mama, it's me!
Me!
Don't you recognise me?
Who is this boy?
Why is he embracing me?
Mama, I'm Mino!
You mustn't do this to me.
I'm Mino.
No.
Mama, I AM Mino!
- I am! - That's not true!
Look at me!
- You're a liar! - No, I'm not, Mama!
Mino? You're not Mino!
You're lying!
I don't know you!
Mino lives no more!
Mino is dead!
And I am guilty...
I am guilty of his death!
These hands...
These hands couldn't hold on to him!
And he couldn't help me!
You understand?
He grabbed my arm,
but I couldn't hold on to him!
My hands couldn't do it, and he's not here any more,
and it's my fault!
Leave me!
There's no more Mino!
Mino - my Mino - is dead!
Enjoy it.
You sit indoors the whole day.
You should get some fresh air.
We're ready. May we go?
Off you go, children!
Do you think Mama will get better?
Time is a great healer.
You know, the only thing we can really do is hope.
I've been here many years and I've seen many such cases.
I know from experience that...
...even the most difficult cases get better...
...in the course of time.
I'd like to see her one more time.
There, look!
But be very quiet.
"Sleep, baby, sleep!"