# The Great War

> 1959 film by Mario Monicelli

**Wikidata**: [Q150867](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q150867)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_War_(1959_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-great-war-q150867

## Summary
*The Great War* is a 1959 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Mario Monicelli, set during World War I. It is a seminal work in Italian cinema, blending humor with the harsh realities of war, and is recognized for its critical and artistic significance.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *The Great War* (Italian: *La grande guerra*).
- **Release Date**: September 5, 1959.
- **Director**: Mario Monicelli.
- **Genre**: Comedy film, drama film.
- **Country of Origin**: Italy, France.
- **Production Company**: Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica.
- **Awards**: Won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1959.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q18584.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0052861.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/02qdtzn.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n79077394.
- **AllMovie ID**: v20802.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: la_grande_guerra.
- **TMDb ID**: 10408.
- **BFI Film & TV Database ID**: 39714.
- **CineRessources ID**: 54644.
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 12983.
- **Kinenote ID**: 12957.
- **MovieMeter ID**: mv12872.
- **Port ID**: 39714.
- **AlloCiné ID**: 3608.
- **Cinematografo ID**: 10956.
- **Filmweb ID**: 10279.
- **ICAA ID**: 55823.
- **LUMIERE ID**: 37409.
- **OFDb ID**: filme/man-nannte-es-den-grossen-krieg.
- **Svenska Filminstitutet ID**: man-nannte-es-den-groen-krieg.
- **The Numbers ID**: the-great-war.
- **Turner Classic Movies ID**: 274.
- **UniFrance ID**: AG 410.
- **Wikidata SPARQL Query Equivalent**: `?item wdt:P31/wdt:P279* wd:Q11424`.
- **Sitelink Count**: 34 Wikipedia language editions.
- **Aliases**: *Great War*, *La grande guerra*.

## FAQs
**What is *The Great War* about?**
*The Great War* is a 1959 Italian film directed by Mario Monicelli that follows the misadventures of two Italian soldiers during World War I. The film blends comedy with dramatic elements to critique war and society, making it a significant work in Italian cinema.

**Who directed *The Great War*?**
The film was directed by Mario Monicelli, a prominent Italian filmmaker known for his contributions to the *commedia all'italiana* genre. Monicelli's direction in *The Great War* is celebrated for its balance of humor and poignant social commentary.

**What awards did *The Great War* win?**
*The Great War* won the Golden Lion, the highest prize at the Venice Film Festival, in 1959. This award solidified its reputation as a critically acclaimed film and a landmark in Italian cinematography.

**What genres does *The Great War* belong to?**
The film is classified as both a comedy film and a drama film. It is part of the *commedia all'italiana* tradition, which uses humor to explore serious social and political themes.

**Where was *The Great War* produced?**
The film was produced in Italy and France, with the production company Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica overseeing its creation. Its international co-production status reflects its broad appeal and significance in European cinema.

**When was *The Great War* released?**
*The Great War* was released on September 5, 1959. It quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to blending comedy and drama within the context of World War I.

## Why It Matters
*The Great War* is a landmark film in Italian cinema, representing a pivotal moment in the *commedia all'italiana* genre. Its unique blend of humor and drama offers a critical perspective on war, human nature, and societal norms, making it a timeless piece of art. The film's success at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion, underscores its artistic and cultural significance. By addressing the absurdities and tragedies of war through a comedic lens, *The Great War* challenges audiences to reflect on the complexities of conflict and humanity. Its influence extends beyond Italy, contributing to global discussions on cinema as a medium for social commentary.

## Notable For
- **Golden Lion Winner**: Awarded the highest prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1959.
- **Genre-Blending**: Successfully combines comedy and drama to explore serious themes.
- **Historical Setting**: Set during World War I, providing a unique backdrop for its narrative.
- **International Co-Production**: Produced in both Italy and France, showcasing cross-cultural collaboration.
- **Cultural Impact**: A seminal work in the *commedia all'italiana* genre, influencing subsequent Italian films.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Recognized for its artistic merit and social commentary.
- **Widespread Recognition**: Covered in 34 Wikipedia language editions, indicating its global relevance.

## Body

### Overview and Background
*The Great War* (*La grande guerra*) is a 1959 Italian film directed by Mario Monicelli. It is a comedy-drama that critiques the absurdities of war through the experiences of two Italian soldiers during World War I. The film is a prime example of *commedia all'italiana*, a genre that uses humor to address serious social and political issues.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica, a prominent Italian production company. It was released on September 5, 1959, and quickly gained critical acclaim. The production involved collaboration between Italy and France, reflecting its international appeal and significance.

### Awards and Recognition
*The Great War* won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1959, the festival's highest honor. This award cemented its status as a landmark film in Italian cinema and contributed to its enduring legacy.

### Genre and Themes
The film is classified under two primary genres:
- **Comedy Film**: It employs humor to highlight the absurdities and ironies of war.
- **Drama Film**: It also delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of conflict on individuals.

The blend of these genres allows *The Great War* to explore complex themes such as the futility of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the critique of societal norms.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Set during World War I, *The Great War* provides a historical backdrop that amplifies its themes. The film's portrayal of the war from the perspective of ordinary soldiers offers a grounded and relatable narrative, making its social commentary more impactful.

### Influence and Legacy
*The Great War* is notable for its influence on the *commedia all'italiana* genre and Italian cinema as a whole. Its success paved the way for future films that blend comedy and drama to address serious themes. The film's critical and artistic achievements have ensured its place in cinematic history.

### Technical and Structural Details
- **Wikidata ID**: Q18584.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0052861.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/02qdtzn.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n79077394.
- **AllMovie ID**: v20802.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: la_grande_guerra.
- **TMDb ID**: 10408.
- **BFI Film & TV Database ID**: 39714.
- **CineRessources ID**: 54644.
- **FilmAffinity ID**: 12983.
- **Kinenote ID**: 12957.
- **MovieMeter ID**: mv12872.
- **Port ID**: 39714.
- **AlloCiné ID**: 3608.
- **Cinematografo ID**: 10956.
- **Filmweb ID**: 10279.
- **ICAA ID**: 55823.
- **LUMIERE ID**: 37409.
- **OFDb ID**: filme/man-nannte-es-den-grossen-krieg.
- **Svenska Filminstitutet ID**: man-nannte-es-den-groen-krieg.
- **The Numbers ID**: the-great-war.
- **Turner Classic Movies ID**: 274.
- **UniFrance ID**: AG 410.

### Related Entities
- **Golden Lion**: The highest prize awarded at the Venice Film Festival, which *The Great War* won in 1959.
- **Venice Film Festival**: One of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, held annually in Venice, Italy.
- **Italy**: The primary country of origin for the film, known for its rich cinematic history and contributions to global cinema.
- **France**: A co-producing country for the film, reflecting its international collaboration and appeal.
- **Comedy Film**: A genre characterized by humor and lightheartedness, often used to explore serious themes in *The Great War*.
- **Drama Film**: A genre focused on serious and emotional themes, which *The Great War* incorporates alongside its comedic elements.

### Wikipedia and Digital Presence
*The Great War* has a significant digital presence, with a Wikipedia article available in 34 language editions. This widespread coverage highlights its global recognition and cultural impact. The film's Wikipedia title is "The Great War (1959 film)," and it is classified under various identifiers and databases, ensuring its accessibility and preservation in digital archives.

### Conclusion
*The Great War* remains a pivotal film in Italian cinema, celebrated for its innovative blend of comedy and drama. Its critical acclaim, including the Golden Lion award, and its enduring influence on the *commedia all'italiana* genre underscore its significance. The film's exploration of war through humor and drama continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless piece of cinematic art.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052861/)
2. [Source](http://www.cinematografo.it/cinedatabase/film/la-grande-guerra/10279/)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=10408.html)
4. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film661803.html)
5. [Source](http://www.telerama.fr/cinema/films/la-grande-guerre,32389.php)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052861/fullcredits)
7. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
8. IMDb
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Source](https://www.unifrance.org/film/2856)
11. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
12. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/22724)
13. Online-Filmdatenbank
14. Bechdel Test Movie List
15. mymovies.it
16. The Movie Database
17. Trakt.tv
18. FilmVandaag.nl