The Five Days
dir. Dario Argento · 1973
Feature
Civil Unrest
Mood
Comedic / Contemplative
Look
muted colors with a documentary-like realism
Structure
vignette-style storytelling with interwoven character arcs
Plot
In 1848 Milan, a thief and a baker witness the chaotic final days of the Italian Revolution.
Why watch
A thief and a baker navigate the tumultuous streets of Milan during the final days of the Italian Revolution, witnessing the absurdities and chaos that ensue. Watching this film feels like stepping into a world where the mundane collides with the monumental, revealing the humor and tragedy of human ambition amidst societal upheaval.
Cultural context
19th-century Italian nationalismthe impact of revolution on everyday lifeclass struggles in urban settingsthe absurdity of war