We Weren't Given Anything for Free (2014): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2014, We Weren't Given Anything for Free is a history and documentary film directed by Eric Esser, running about 58 minutes. “The story of an Italian partisan” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Annita Malavasi was just 22 when the Germans occupied Italy, their former allies, in 1943. As a partisan in the Italian resistance named “Laila”, she moved throughout the Apennines with and between fighting units, delivering information, transporting weapons, and taking part in battles. She spent over a year in the Apennines, fighting against the German occupation. At the same time, she had to assert herself against the men of the mountain villages. By the end of the war, Laila had risen among the ranks to become one of the few female commanders in the Italian resistance. This film chronicles the story of a lifelong struggle for emancipation that began with the battle for Italy’s liberation from fascism. Laila and her two comrades, Gina “Sonia” Moncigoli and Pierina “Iva” Bonilauri talk about their time in the Resistenza and what it meant to them and many other women.

Who’s in it. We Weren't Given Anything for Free stars Annita Malavasi as Self, Gina “Sonia” Moncigoli as Self and Pierina “Iva” Bonilauri as Self.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch We Weren't Given Anything for Free page.

If you liked it. Fans of We Weren't Given Anything for Free tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.