It’s October 1940, and the Italian Royal Navy submarine Cappellini is navigating the Atlantic Ocean, helmed by Commander Salvatore Todaro. Salvatore sees himself as a man of honour, bound, first and foremost, by the code of the sea. But he can’t deny his orders follow the rules of engagement of WWII, and it’s this moral conflict that plays out in real-life inspired movie, Comandante.
Though the film has a gradual beginning, it builds to be a fascinating watch, making this maritime thriller a slow but satisfying burn.
Played by Pierfrancesco Favino, Salvatore is a firm yet fair commander, and he leads his crew into battle, ambushing and attacking enemy ships. However, when the Italian submariners happen upon an armed merchant ship named Kabalo sailing with its lights out, they’re not sure, initially, what to do. Spurred into action by the merchant ship opening fire, a battle ensues, and the Cappellini attacks the Kabalo. The ensuing fight and its fallout inform the rest of the movie, and the astonishing decisions made by Commander Salvatore which go on to shape history.
With beautiful cinematography and some tense moments, Comandante is a fascinating look at compassion during one of the most merciless wars in human history. It is let down, however, by some confusing philosophical flashbacks and its overly romantic portrayal of the war. That being said, viewers will be rewarded with an interesting and oddly heartwarming watch. Make sure you catch it, especially if you’re a WWII buff.
Comandante is part of the Italian Film Festival, which is on now.