Sunflower (1970)

In the shadowed corners of World War II Naples, the passionate love story of Giovanna and Antonio unfolds, a tale as tempestuous as the times they live in. Antonio, a soldier poised on the precipice of deployment to Africa, finds solace in Giovanna's embrace. Their whirlwind courtship culminates in a hastily arranged marriage, a strategic move designed to buy them a twelve-day reprieve from the horrors of war. In a desperate bid to avert destiny, Antonio feigns insanity, a ruse that lands him in an asylum, but the doctors see through his charade. Presented with a grim ultimatum, Antonio volunteers for the Russian front to evade prosecution. When the war ends and the dust of conflict settles, Antonio is reported missing in action in Russia. But Giovanna, now living near Milan, refuses to surrender to the bleak possibility of his death. She clings to the memory of their brief yet intense union, their ruses to escape deployment, and their heart-wrenching parting. The silence from Antonio only intensifies her resolve. Years after the war, armed with an undying hope and a faded photograph of Antonio, Giovanna embarks on a journey to the icy landscapes of Russia. She ventures into the heart of the town that bore witness to the winter battle where Antonio vanished. As she navigates the labyrinth of war-torn streets and unfamiliar faces, Giovanna's quest to find Antonio becomes a poignant exploration of love, loss, and longing. But as she unearths clues in a remote village, the truth about Antonio's disappearance looms ominously, threatening to shatter her hope. Will she find the answers she seeks, or will her journey lead her to a bitter revelation?

Sunflower is a drama movie featuring Sophia Loren.

Sunflower is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Metrograph.

It is also possible to buy Sunflower on Amazon Video, Kino Now and Vudu.