| Perlasca |
 |
| Directed by |
Alberto Negrin |
| Written by |
Enrico Deaglio and Sandro Petraglia |
| Starring |
Luca Zingaretti |
| Release date(s) |
2002 |
| Running time |
126 min. |
| Country |
Italy |
| Language |
Italian with Englishsubtitles |
Perlasca, un Eroe Italiano (english: Perlasca, an Italian Hero also known as Perlasca, The Courage of a Just Man) is a 2002 Italian drama about the real-life hero Giorgio Perlasca, who posed as a Spanish ambassador and tricked Nazi officials to save the lives of five thousand Jews during the Holocaust. The Village Voice deemed the first-time account "more courageous than Spielberg."
Summary
Perlasca follows its gentile protagonist from one inspiring display of altruism and bravery to the next. While on a business trip in Hungary, Perlasca witnesses Nazi atrocities and feels impelled to act. Postponing his own safe departure back to Italy, he spends the money he was supposed to use to buy cattle on bribing Nazi officials to release Jews from deportation and to house his refugees at the Spanish consulate.
Perlasca’s heroism was so amazing in real life that it was easy for filmmakers to wow audiences while sticking directly to the truth of his story. Some of the film’s most shocking scenes are drawn from reality, like when Perlasca rescues two children from deportation and certain death right under the nose of Adolf Eichman, “the architect of the Holocaust.” Although it seems like cinematic enhancement, the incident is reported to have actually occurred in fact, under the presence of Raoul Wallenberg.
The film’s hero knows which rules are meant to be broken. He lies, cheats, and steals, but no one would argue against his morals. Even when all the odds are stacked against him, and his allies doubt him, Perlasca trusts his own gut and remains steadfast in his beliefs. And, in doing so, he upholds the spirit of the highest law – the value of human life.
Perlasca is full of surprises, but one of the most shocking aspects of its hero’s story isn’t depicted on screen. After the war, the real Perlasca returned to his home in Padua to live out a humble, quiet life and never spoke about his war-time experiences. For forty-five years his heroism remained a secret.
It’s only recently that his memory has been properly honored and his incredible, inspiring story recounted through the making of this remarkable film.
Reception
The New York Daily News said: Zingaretti does a fine job shading a character that is written as an unalloyed saint. But the most touching moments come at the end, when we see documentary footage of his true-life inspiration.
TV Guide's Movie Guide: Negrin's film is a well-deserved tribute to a principled man who dared to act when principles no longer counted for anything.
New York Post: A well-made and heart-rendering Italian Schindler's List.
Awards
Perlasca won Best Actor and the Humanitarian Award at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, and won best TV Movie in Telegatto, Italy.
References
See also
Other Holocaust dramas based on true stories:
External links
