Johnny the Partisan (2000): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2000, Johnny the Partisan is a drama and romance film directed by Guido Chiesa, running about 135 minutes.

What it’s about. After the 8th September 1943 north of Italy is occupied by Germans. Italian army collapsed and the soldiers are escaped to the mountains trying to set up a resistance. Many civilians did the same and Johnny, an English literature student, is among them. Johnny avoids to band together the red partisans (communists) and tries to be part of the azure bands (former regular soldiers). But in both cases he is deluded by the partisan bands and discovers that the partisan war is less poetic and genuine that he thought. At one point anyway the partisans free Alba from Germans. When the city falls again in German hands Johnny escape with Ettore and Pierre. But, one after another, German army and Italian fascists captures the partisans and Johnny will pass the winter alone and isolated. He then finds the way to participate to one of the last attack to occupants, in fact the war will be over two months later.

Who’s in it. Johnny the Partisan stars Stefano Dionisi as Johnny, Gabriele Montanari as Rivella, Toni Bertorelli as Padre di Johnny and Lina Bernardi as Madre di Johnny, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Johnny the Partisan has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $400K at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Johnny the Partisan page.

If you liked it. Fans of Johnny the Partisan tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.