"L'ultimo giorno di scuola prima delle vacanze di Natale" (The Last Day of School Before Christmas) by Gian Vittorio Baldi is a 1975 cinematic work that brutally examines war and the corrosive effects of ideology, diverging from the innocence suggested by the title. The film presents a fragmented and disorienting view of the conflict, focusing on the intimate horrors experienced by individuals during World War II. Avoiding the glorification of either side, Baldi offers a realistic portrayal of violence and moral decay, accentuated by raw performances and a documentary-like visual style. The work offers no easy answers, prompting the viewer to confront the brutality and futility of war. The film deserves recognition for its contribution to Italian cinema and for its powerful anti-war message.
