When Artemio Battaglia joins the Regia Aeronautica to become a fighter pilot at the beginning of World War II, he’s inspired by the romanticized patriotism of the Fascists. His idealism is shattered when he witnesses atrocities committed against indigenous populations in North Africa, and the officials he informs do nothing to stop the murderers. Their response is to transfer him to the most dangerous front in the war. A disillusioned Artemio returns to Piacenza to find his city occupied by ruthless German soldiers. He enlists in the war again, this time as a member of the Red Brigades. With a renewed sense of purpose, Artemio repeatedly places himself in peril, sabotaging German supply lines and giving aid to the Allies. But when his comrades capture a downed Italian pilot and schedule a hasty execution, Artemio recoils at the senseless violence. Once again, he is called to act in accordance with his conscience and embarks on a bold plan to set things right.
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