Film of the Day: 58

Vincere (2009)

June 10th 1940 was not exactly a great day for Italy, as they were led into World War II (as part of the Axis powers with Nazi Germany and Japan). Declaring war on the United Kingdom and France, even though Italy had sided with France in the early 1930s. This was all thanks to Benito Mussolini, who had been Prime Minister of Italy since 1922. Mussolini figured it would be a short war and Italy would gain more land in the peace treaty that would follow.

He had also created a rank for himself as the supreme military rank of First Marshal of the Empire alongside the King which gave Mussolini complete control over the military. Of course the majority of Italy did not want any part of this and some had to flee, or go in hiding to escape the iron fist of fascism and some even fought back.

Then in 1943 today, Mussolini was finally forced out of office by his own Italian Grand Council. He was replaced by Pietro Badoglio who was was a commander of Mussolini's fascist troops and allegedly accused of using poisonous gases. However Pietro was then replaced by the anti-Fascist Ivanoe Bonomi.

Benito Mussolini

After Mussolini was forced out he became the leader of the Grand Council of Fascism until 1945 but after the Allied invasion of Italy, Mussolini was incarcerated. He was soon rescued from jail and he attempted to escape to Switzerland but was caught and rightfully killed on the spot by Italian partisans. He was then taken to Milan to hang upside down for public viewing.

Two years ago, Marco Bellocchio directed this terrific little film called Vincere, focusing mainly on Mussolini's first wife Ida Dalser and the early life of Mussolini before the first World War up until his death. This was a beautiful looking film filled with bold performances and along with I Am Love was one of the best films of the year to come out of Italy.

The film was very well received by critics, mainly by French critics and was even nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes film festival. It is probably one of the best films about the Duce.

Click here for the trailer