1944. In Vermiglio, a high mountain village of the Italian Alps where war looms as a distant but constant threat. The arrival of Pietro, a refugee soldier, disrupts the dynamics of the local teacher’s family, changing them forever. During the four seasons marking the end of World War II, Pietro and Lucia, the eldest daughter of the village teacher, instantly drawn to each other, leading to marriage and an unexpected fate. As the world emerges from tragedy, the family will face its own.

Winner of the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival and Italy’s Entry to the Oscars.

Jane Campion has written an open letter praising the film:  

"Vermiglio has put a spell over me... I feel deep appreciation for Maura Delpero’s formidable skills as a director."

The Garden Cinema View:

Set in a village beneath Mount Boai, Vermiglio's sophisticated cinematography and sound design immerses you in the wildly beautiful landscapes and sounds of the Alps, transporting us to a simpler era untouched by modern technology. Taking place during WWII in 1944, it's interesting to monitor the behaviours and interactions of people of this specific time and place. The characterisation of each member of this extended family is entirely convincing - not least due to the great performances from the cast. Through this journey, the film poses several questions. Should a military deserter be protected or condemned? Is the patriarch truly loving or deeply oppressive? Does the mother of numerous children find fulfilment in her role, or is she merely enduring it?

Despite the film's many merits, some of these themes could have been explored in greater depth. Nevertheless, Vermiglio has an engaging narrative, featuring fully fledged characters offering a powerful snapshot of a vanished era.

Cast:
Tommaso Ragno, Giuseppe De Domenico, Roberta Rovelli, Martina Scrinzi