The Camp Followers
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Director: Valerio Zurlini
Actors: Mario Adorf, Anna Karina, Marie Laforêt
PlotIn the backdrop of World War II, a regiment of the Italian army is stationed in the harsh, remote region of the Balkans. The soldiers endure the austere conditions of war, facing not only the external threats from enemy forces but also internal conflicts and a sense of profound isolation. During this time, a group of women arrives at the camp, offering solace and companionship to the weary troops, a sharp contrast to the grimness of their reality. As the women integrate into the camp life, they bring with them a sense of vitality and normalcy that begins to soften the hard edges of military life. Their presence forces many of the soldiers to grapple with their emotions and humanity amidst the brutality surrounding them.
The tensions, however, are always close to erupting as personal relationships develop and intertwine with the relentless demands of being at war. Amidst the camaraderie and moments of unexpected tenderness, there are undercurrents of jealousy, fear, and vulnerability. As lines blur between duty and desire, the volatile nature of war threatens to overpower the fragile bonds formed. Through the intimate interactions between the soldiers and the women, we observe a poignant exploration of human endurance and the quest for connection in a world defined by chaos and uncertainty. The camp becomes a microcosm for examining the impact of war on love, loyalty, and survival as each character navigates their role in this transient sanctuary amid relentless hostilities.
Writers: Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi, Ugo Pirro
Release Date: 31 Aug 1966
Runtime: 119 min
Rating: N/A
Country: Italy, France, West Germany, Yugoslavia
Language: Greek, Italian
Home Video Reviews
The Camp Followers' Blu-ray release, though lacking in visual quality and extras, is a crucial gateway for rediscovering Zurlini's neglected work.
Read our review of The Camp Followers Blu-ray The Camp Followers to find out more