Attack and Retreat
Attack and Retreat Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Attack and Retreat
| Movie | Attack and Retreat |
| Release Year | 1964 |
| Director | Giuseppe De Santis |
| Genre | Drama / History / War |
| Runtime | 148 minutes (2h 28m) |
| Language | IT |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Attack and Retreat (1964) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Attack and Retreat are led by Arthur Kennedy . The supporting cast, including Tatyana Samoylova and Raffaele Pisu , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Attack and Retreat stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Attack and Retreat has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Attack and Retreat
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1964, Attack and Retreat is a Drama, History, War film directed by Giuseppe De Santis, written by Sergei Smirnov. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Arthur Kennedy as Ferro Maria Ferri.
Ending Explained: Attack and Retreat
Attack and Retreat Ending Explained: Chronicle of the unheralded and unsuccessful invasion of the Soviet Union by the Italian army during World War II. Directed by Giuseppe De Santis, this 1964 drama film stars Arthur Kennedy (Ferro Maria Ferri), alongside Tatyana Samoylova as Sonya, Raffaele Pisu as Gabrielli, Zhanna Prokhorenko as Katya. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Attack and Retreat?
Chronicle of the unheralded and unsuccessful invasion of the Soviet Union by the Italian army during World War II.
How Does Arthur Kennedy (Ferro Maria Ferri)'s Story End?
- Arthur Kennedy: Arthur Kennedy's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Tatyana Samoylova (Sonya): Tatyana Samoylova's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Raffaele Pisu (Gabrielli): Raffaele Pisu's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Attack and Retreat Based on a True Story?
Yes — Attack and Retreat draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Giuseppe De Santis has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Attack and Retreat Mean?
Attack and Retreat's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Arthur Kennedy may feel rushed. Giuseppe De Santis's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Attack and Retreat Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Attack and Retreat Based on a True Story?
Yes, Attack and Retreat is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Giuseppe De Santis and starring Arthur Kennedy, this drama, history, war film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Attack and Retreat
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Attack and Retreat uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch Attack and Retreat?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Arthur Kennedy or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch Attack and Retreat Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesAttack and Retreat Parents Guide & Age Rating
1964 AdvisoryWondering about Attack and Retreat age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Attack and Retreat (1964) is 148 minutes (2h 28m). Directed by Giuseppe De Santis, the film runs for 148 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Attack and Retreat is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1964 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Attack and Retreat worth watching?
Attack and Retreat is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Attack and Retreat parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Attack and Retreat identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Attack and Retreat (1964)?
The runtime of Attack and Retreat (1964) is 148 minutes (approximately 2h 28m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.


