The Front Line is a remarkable film about an extreme left-wing terrorist group, infamous for its violent exploits, and the scourge of the authorities and civilized society for most of a decade. Renato De Maria fictionalizes the story of two of the group's leaders, Sergio Segio (Riccardo Scamarcio) and Susanna Ronconi (Giovanna Mezzogiorno), who were colleagues and lovers, a modern-day Marxist Bonnie and Clyde. Directed with taut control and an impressive sense of suspense, the film offers a probing and insightful look into the terrorist mind, recreating a period of Italian history many have forgotten.
The tumultuous political events of the late sixties that swept across Europe left a particular mark on Italy. The radical Red Brigades, committed to the violent overthrow of the state, were formed out of the student protests of 1968. Prima Linea was another Italian terrorist organization, founded in the late seventies and even more extreme in its methods.
De Maria tackles his subject from the perspective of his male protagonist, who looks back from his jail cell on his youthful exploits with understanding, candour and remorse. Believing there would be a coup by right-wing elements, a young Sergio goes underground, convinced the use of violence is a necessary choice. There he meets the equally committed Susanna, falls in love and continues to fight the brutal battle of a political extremist. Eventually, Sergio grows disenchanted with the tactics of the Prima Linea, but when Susanna is captured, he resorts to the methods he has learned as a militant to try to spring her from prison.
This is a smart film about twentiethcentury history, politics and society. Ultimately, it asks questions about responsibility and choices, but does not attempt to provide pat answers to a highly complex situation. The Front Line speaks to a moment in Italy's past that is clearly being mirrored in the present politics of other countries. Sergio and Susanna are not demonized by De Maria; they are human beings – youthful, dedicated, passionate. But their actions have consequences, and these the film details with sympathy and balance.
Piers Handling
Renato De Maria was born in Varese, Italy, and studied political science and philosophy in Bologna. He has made award-winning short films, video installations and promotional films. He also founded the production company Monochrome. His feature films and documentaries include
La Hotel paura (96),
I Figli dell'odio (99),
Paz! (01),
Amatemi (04) and
The Front Line (09).