Time after time, soldiers of the Italian Army are forced to leave their mountain trenches in attempts to storm an enemy fortress, always with the same disastrous results. As casualties mount, indignation spreads among the rank and file. Disturbed by his superiors' decisions, Lieutenant Sassu is led to question the purpose of war and reconsider where his real duties lie.

Mark Frechette
as Lt. Sassu

Alain Cuny
as Gen. Leone

Gian Maria Volonté
as Lt. Ottolenghi

Giampiero Albertini
as Capt. Abbati

Pier Paolo Capponi
as Lt. Santini

Franco Graziosi
as Maj. Malchiodi

Mario Feliciani
as Colonel Doctor

Alberto Mastino
as Soldier Marrasi

Brunetto Del Vita
as Col. Stringari

Nino Vingelli
as Wounded Soldier from Naples
Nutshell
A truly compelling anti-war film from Italy, which echoes Kubrick's earlier masterpiece Paths of Glory. Excellent performances and camera work communicate the message well: war is the most insane kind of hell indeed......