Enemy of the Heart

I really didn't know what to expect considering this piece is from a relatively unknown. The synopsis was intriguing and the film didn't dissapoint.

At school, the curriculum in regards to the Second World War, focused predominately on our conflict with Hitler and Germany. I can't recall any teaching regarding our war with Mussolini and Italy. It's certainly an important aspect, particularly concerning 'Enemy Aliens' and their internments in Britain.

TV dramas Foyle's War and Home Fires, have touched on this. However, it hasn't, to my knowledge, previously taken centre stage.

What's more, it wasn't until Enemy of the Heart, I became aware of The Arandora Star. This lead me to investigate the plight of those innocent souls who lost their lives, which brought me to the families' memorial pages on social media and the annual events which continue to this day, in memory of those who perished more than 80 years ago.

The Cipriani family living in Liverpool during Mussolini's union with Hitler in June 1940, brings home the plight of these families, considered a threat to national security, interned and shipped to Canada and Australia.

The scene with Gio Cipriani and his young family in the middle of the night, is heart-breaking. I initially thought the midnight setting was for aesthetic purposes with the moonlight reflecting the shadows of the imposing police officers approaching the family home. It wasn't until I researched afterwards, I discovered children now in their 90s, whose fathers were taken from their homes at night and in the early hours by police due to being considered a threat to national security. These children never saw their fathers again. A BBC documentary narrated by actor Tom Conti, is well worth a listen on this.

Overall, Enemy of the Heart is a visually beautiful film. The cast portray their characters truthfully and the plot is both educational and enjoyable. The subject matter is something schools should consider in the curriculum, as the Italians contributed significantly to our homefront with their expertise in cuisine, music and architecture. You only have to look in major cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London to name a few, whose architecture comes from Italy. Their contribution to Britain is immense.

HOW refreshing to glimpse the city of Liverpool so beautifully in its most intricate form. The splendor of the Central Library and Museum's 19th century facade, provides the exterior landscape encompassing the iconic Royal Liver Buildings overlooking the infamous River Mersey. Rather apt, considering a majority of Liverpool's architectural monuments derive from the neo classics of ancient Rome and Greece.

Inspired by the internment of 'Enemy Aliens' during Wartime Britain, Enemy of the Heart provides a slice of Liverpool's maritime history and heritage. The narrative, journeys towards the departure of the former passenger cruise ship, The Arandora Star, which embarked on its final voyage in July 1940. More than 1,600 internees of Italian and German heritage were onboard destined for Canada.

Anglo-Italian family, The Ciprianis, provide the pivotal focus alongside their extended family, The O'Connors. A nod to Liverpool's Irish history brought to life in the form of matriarch Maise O'Connor. The stellar cast portray heartfelt characters throughout, enduring newfound complexities fuelled by wartime politics. The Cipriani family residing in Liverpool whilst their country is at war with Britain, encounter a flurry of escalating conflicts as the narrative approaches its torrential conclusion.

Generational and cultural implications are intricately explored, particularly with young Luca and Maria Cipriani, torn between cultures; that of their Italian father and their country of birth. Brother Tomas fighting for the British cause in Dunkirk, fuels discontent with neighbour Celia Romano whose cousins are serving in the Italian forces. Furthermore, a tempestuous mob embark on a prolific rampage, targeting Italian businesses. Thurs enhancing the ramifications of enemy nationality residing in Britain during this time.

Meanwhile, junior police officer Patrick O'Connor, is perpetually tormented by the knowledge of Uncle Gio's impending fate. "Duty bound" by the force, whilst at the detriment of having to withold crucial information from family, despite sister Elsie's persistence to unveil the truth. Patrick's climatic monologue in the presence of Aunt Maisie, is particularly moving as the enormity of Uncle Gio's inevitable predicament becomes ever-more unbearable.

Long-standing friend and neighbour Walter Collins provides the wisdom only a gent of advanced years can offer, delivering the comfort and guidance young Luca so desperately craves. The vertical alignment of the woodland composition in an almost military stature, beautifully illustrates their entrapment. Walter, too elderly to serve "King and Country" whilst young Luca is the recipient of infantile ridicule due to his Italian heritage.

Amidst the tribulation, a sprinkle of light-relief arrives in the form of Welsh WI Chair, Mable Jones, striving to maintain equilibrium amongst the women of the village during a heated debate between Elsie O'Connor and her acquaintances. Mable's disposition and closing statement, timed to perfection.

It would be a disservice to proceed with further analysis, as there is so much more for audiences to discover. An intricate narrative, this is an impressive composition for a debut screenwriter. Meticulously researched with acute accuracy and so beautifully infused with pure realism by a cast who embody their characters with emotional integrity. As such, I await with much anticipation for what will become of these creatives. Certainly, a few to watch out for in the future.

If there was an Oscar category for cinematic "bang for your buck", Enemy of the Heart would surely be in the running. Considering the microscopic budget, this film is nothing short of a minor miracle. The production quality overall is excellent and belies the modest means of the film, delivering a professional yet emotional and sobering portrayal of an unjustly neglected subplot of British World War 2 history.

The cinematography at times hypnotises the viewer into believing they are watching a seasoned professional film-maker rather than an unknown making her writing and directorial debut. The director consistently and skilfully deploys the full toolbox of shooting techniques to carefully unfold each scene with deft use of shadows, angles, timing and lighting as well as skillful drone shots in the action scenes.

There are some impressive individual acting performances and despite the brevity of the film, the script has some decent character development which allows the audience to better empathise with the plight of characters as their circumstances deteriorate. The soundtrack also evolves well to set the prevailing mood as the film progresses - cheerful, happy-go-lucky early on and somber/melancholy later. The film does a great job of shining a light on the tragic but largely untold story of the plight of Italian immigrants in the UK at the outbreak of WW2. It's not difficult to see why Enemy of the Heart has won so many awards and it is inevitable that the viewer will be left pondering what this director might achieve with a proper budget on subsequent projects.

What an incredible film, so moving, beautifully shot and with such relatable characters, you feel you know them personally.

I was already aware of the history which inspired this film, however, so many are not. It's wonderful this aspect of the war is being brought to life with the story of the Italian family living in Britain during this time. It brings a whole new perspective to 'Wartime stories'.

My mother, having been a child during the war, still remembers it vividly and commented on how the costumes, locations and plot were incredibly accurate. It's also wonderful to see the Liverpool landscape so positively presented. A simply beautiful film.

The tragic story of the SS Arandora Star, Enemy of the Heart, focuses on an Italian family who are very much part of the local community, as much as anyone else. The between the father and his small son Luca in the middle of the night is a heartbreaking scene even brought tears to eyes of a grown man. There is some serious acting talent. The film has been well cast and definitely some actors to watch out for in the future no doubt.

Music, Cinematography, costume and set are second to none. Not surprising I see on IMBD that this film has picked up an incredible amount of awards ( 52 I think) so I need say no more.