Raising of Lazarus

The film “Open City” concludes the film beautifully because it wraps up the major plot points developed throughout the film such as the outcome of the conspiracy against the government. The film does not try to appease the audience by adding unnecessary scenes, such as if Marcello and Francesco re-united in an embrace at the end. The audience already feels that this will happen because the Nazis did not capture Francesco.  The film allows the audience to question why the execution of the priest had to happen, why couldn’t he have been saved, why does war exist, and what is the source of evil. This is a healthy ending because it arouses the audience and makes them want to change something in the world and possibly in themselves. Would I have been that heroic to die for my country? The film leaves the audience wrestling with these deep questions and a hope in the children of Italy.