In the depths of war, humanity is the last bastion.
In the whirlwind of World War II, the destinies of five men intertwine in the horrific battle of Stalingrad, where courage, sacrifice, and a helping hand at the right moment demonstrate that, beyond any war, solidarity and humanity can change the course of lives.
Synopsis
In the midst of World War II’s Stalingrad campaign, the destinies of Ladislau, Pavel, Angelo, Zanetello, Ettore, and Pacifico intertwine. They experience the human spirit amidst political constraints and military orders. Angelo Pannocchia defies all, driven by the principle of saving Ladislau. Amidst a disorganized retreat, Pavel and Ladislau part ways, one heading west, the other south. Destiny extends a hand, changing their lives. Ladislau grasps Angelo’s hand, while Pavel clutches destiny’s.
The movie unfolds in Italy, capturing the atmosphere of the era. The narrative delves into the political chaos, presenting the turmoil and disarray within the warring factions. It follows Pavel’s enlistment and Ladislau’s regiment’s journey alongside the Nazi forces. A pivotal moment occurs at a well, where Ladislau’s generosity saves his comrades from poisoned water. The scene shifts to the offices of Mussolini, Hitler, Antonescu, Stalin, and American generals, brimming with tension and uncertainty.
Angelo, Ettore, and Andreea seek solutions to halt the Russian advance. The film then turns to the Romanian positions, decimated by Russian artillery. Ladislau, a Romanian of German descent, curses in Italian, revealing his identity. A powerful explosion reunites Ladislau and Pavel, who embark on a journey home. They encounter Ettore, who dies tragically. Separated, they face the harsh elements, Ladislau nearly succumbing to the cold. Miraculously, Angelo discovers him and rescues him.
Meanwhile, Pavel awakens in a Russian truck, en route to a camp. The film concludes with the reunification of Pavel and Ladislau, their fates forever intertwined by the turmoil of war.
“E io” is a profound exploration of life during World War II, seen through the experiences of Ladislau Iosif Szabo, Pavel, Angelo Pannocchia, Zanetello Ettore, and Pacifico Andrea. In 1942, amidst the devastating conflict at Stalingrad, the destinies of these men intertwine in a story about humanity, solidarity, and survival.
The film aims to show that beyond political constraints and military orders, there is something much more powerful: humanity. The war between nations is portrayed not as a conflict between peoples but as one of individual interests that ignore the human spirit and people’s need for solidarity and love. Angelo Pannocchia becomes the symbol of this message, overcoming any obstacle to save Ladislau.
After a disorganized retreat from the Stalingrad front, where their regiment was crushed by the Russian offensive, Pavel and Ladislau make the desperate decision to return home. The difficult conditions and risks they face force them to separate, but a helping hand is about to change their fate forever. Ladislau is saved by Angelo Pannocchia, while Pavel is guided by the hand of destiny.
The film begins in Italy, introducing us to the atmosphere of those days through Angelo’s family life. After introducing Angelo, the narrative shifts to the political spectrum, highlighting the confusion and disorganization in the warring camps.
We follow Pavel’s enlistment and Ladislau’s regiment’s journey alongside the Nazi regiment. A stop at a well becomes a crucial moment when Ladislau’s act of kindness saves everyone from tragedy. The film then focuses on the tensions in the offices of Mussolini, Hitler, Antonescu, Stalin, and American generals, emphasizing the lack of solutions and unexpected situations.
We witness Angelo, Ettore, and Andreea’s desperation to stop the Russian advance, and then the action moves to the Romanian positions, slaughtered by Russian artillery. A turning point occurs when Ladislau begins to curse in Italian, revealing his origin. A powerful explosion brings Ladislau face to face with Pavel, marking the beginning of a friendship that seems to last a lifetime.
In a world devastated by war, their only thought is survival. They seek refuge, hoping to find something familiar and meet other Romanians who can help them survive. The encounter with Ettore, who dies tragically, leads them to go in different directions, but destiny has other plans for them. In the end, “E io” is the story of their reunion and the impact of the war on human destiny, emphasizing that, ultimately, humanity and solidarity can triumph even in the darkest times.
As the film “E io” approaches its conclusion, we traverse the inner and physical journey of our characters through the war that changed their lives. Ladislau, saved at the last moment by Angelo, and Pavel, waking up in a Russian truck, are just at the beginning of a deep understanding of the impact of humanity and solidarity amidst the horrors of war.
Chapter 1, “Italy and Romania under Hitler’s Grip”, takes us back to the beginnings of the war, showing how the great powers pursued their own interests, leaving countries like Romania and Italy to bear the hardships of a devastating conflict. While Mussolini’s Italy recklessly plunges into war, Romania faces territorial losses and attempts to erase its national identity and culture. Both nations, through their people, experience tragedy and sacrifice in the name of their leaders’ unwise ambitions.
Chapter 2, “Szabó, Pavel, Angelo, Ettore, and Andrea at Stalingrad”, places us in the heart of the battle for Stalingrad, where the Soviet counteroffensive strategy exposes the vulnerabilities of the Axis forces, including the Romanian and Italian forces, unprepared for the harshness and brutality of the conflict on the Eastern Front. Our characters’ experiences reflect not only heroism but also desperation and the material and strategic shortcomings that defined their participation in the war.
Chapter 3, “The Road Home”, is the climax of our emotional and narrative journey, where survival becomes the only battle that matters. After the collapse of the Italian and Romanian forces, the effort to find a way back home, away from the front line, becomes a story about rediscovering hope and humanity even in the darkest moments. The meeting of Ladislau with Angelo and the separation from Pavel, followed by their reunion, symbolizes the endless cycle of war and peace, of despair and the rebirth of hope.
“E io” is not just a chronicle of historical events but a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through the story of Ladislau, Pavel, Angelo, and their companions, the film invites us to reflect on what it means to be human, to fight for survival, and to find light in darkness. It is a reminder that, despite the horrors of war, the bonds of humanity and solidarity can overcome the greatest trials and that, in the end, “E io” – “And me” – we are all part of the same human story, seeking meaning and salvation in a world often devoid of both.
Tedy Tudor Necula is a Romanian film director,screenwriter and actor .He was born on April 2, 1989 in Bucuresti, Romania. He graduated from Media University of Bucharest in 2013 .In 2002, he plays first role in the movie Noro. Other notable roles in Zi buna zi proasta (2005) , Snuff-Movie (2005)
Mario is a graduate of the Faculty of Administration and Business at the University of Bucharest and is currently pursuing his master’s studies at UNAP, specializing in Crisis Management and Conflict Prevention, and at UNATC “I.L. Caragiale” in Film Production. In the field of film production, in 2018 he collaborated with director Tedy Necula on the “Coborâm la prima” project, coordinating the financial department and the marketing and distribution campaign. In 2020 he took over the production of the film “Clouds of Chernobyl” directed by Ligia Ciornei, released in 2022, and recently completed the feature film “Mai departe” (dir. Tedy Necula).
Argument
A heart-wrenching and compelling tale of human resilience and bonds formed amidst the chaos of war, “E io” is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of compassion and friendship, transcending the boundaries of language and nationality.
Status: in development
Budget: 3 million euros
Audience: Woman 60%( 28-60), Man 40%(16-60)
Main country:SUA, Italy, Romania, UK
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