Many Wars Ago (1970)

In the austere landscape of Northern Italy, the relentless jaws of WWI clamp down into a gruesome stalemate. The men of an Italian infantry division find themselves entrenched on a desolate highland, tasked with wresting a commanding peak from the enemy's grasp. Their leader, the tactically uninspired General Leone, embarks on a perilous strategy, marrying modern warfare with archaic combat tactics. His men, sapped of morale, are pushed into the unforgiving maw of Austrian machine guns, their lives bartered for a chance at claiming victory. As the toll of death and despair mounts, the mutterings of discontent grow louder within the ranks. Lieutenant Sassu, a man torn between duty and conscience, watches the carnage unfold. He bears witness to the unfathomable decisions of his superiors, decisions that lead to the brutal execution of every sixth man in a platoon, a grotesque tribute to a fallen major. The hellish theatre of war forces Sassu to question the very essence of his duties and the purpose of their unending battle. Set against the backdrop of the Trentino Front during 1916-17, "Many Wars Ago" is a chilling exploration of the human toll of warfare. The film poses a heart-wrenching question - how much can be demanded of men in the name of war? As the plot spirals into deeper despair, it reveals the horrifying reality of soldiers being used as fodder in a game of power and prestige. It's a stark portrait of the futility of war, a brutal dance between duty and humanity.

Many Wars Ago is a drama movie featuring Mark Frechette and directed by Francesco Rosi.

Many Wars Ago is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Many Wars Ago on Amazon Video.