The Silent Mountain 2014

Drama

Romance

Adventure

War

Box Office

$286K

Runtime

95 mins

Language

German

Directed by

Ernst Gossner

Made by

Vent Productions

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The Silent Mountain Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Silent Mountain (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In the film set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War I in South Tyrol, the story unfolds during a period of intense conflict and personal turmoil. The narrative kicks off in May 1915, where Anderl Gruber, played by William Moseley, is celebrating his sister Elisabeth’s wedding to the Italian Angelo Calzolari. At this event, Anderl’s eyes are drawn to Francesca, portrayed by [Eugenia Costantini], and a tender romance begins to blossom between them. However, their budding love is soon overshadowed by the declaration of war between Italy and Austria-Hungary, immediately turning their personal stories into collateral damage of national conflict.

As tensions rise, the inhabitants of the region mobilize, and both Anderl and Angelo join the military forces of their respective nations. The region becomes a battleground where allegiances are tested, and soldiers on both sides face brutal conditions and deadly struggles. Amidst the chaos, Francesca is forced to hide her true identity from the villagers who are expelling Italians from the area. Her vulnerability is exploited by Fritz Weinberger, a local teacher who has returned from the front line and harbors deep resentment towards Italians. Fritz, played by [Werner Daehn], manipulates Francesca into accepting his protection in exchange for sexual favors, adding a layer of personal conflict and moral complexity to the story.

Meanwhile, a clever Austro-Hungarian platoon situated in the nearby mountains skillfully tricks advancing Italian forces into retreating, giving the Austrians a crucial edge. Their efforts are reinforced by the formidable German Alpenkorps, which bolsters the mountain defenses. During a fierce battle, Anderl sustains a severe injury and ends up in a field hospital at his family’s hotel, now serving as a makeshift medical facility. Here, he uncovers Francesca’s affair with Fritz, fueling his rage and resolve. In a daring turn of events, Anderl returns to the front lines, where his fierce determination helps repel a massive attack by Italian infantry. His heroism comes at a cost, as he is severely wounded once more.

As the stalemate continues, the Italian commander Nicola Quinziato devises a risky plan to break the deadlock: dig tunnels beneath the mountain to launch a surprise attack or blow it up. His son, Angelo, an experienced civil engineer, is tasked with the dangerous job of digging these tunnels. Initially, the plan is to use the tunnels for a covert offensive, but Quinziato ultimately decides to detonate explosives underneath the Austrian positions, intending to destroy the enemy forces. Angelo’s role becomes perilous, and after the explosives are set, he is discharged and sent into the regular infantry, where he faces the full brutality of war.

Tragically, Angelo is eventually captured by Austrian troops, and under interrogation, he reveals Italy’s plans to blow up the mountain. With Anderl’s help, Angelo manages to return to his village, but his secret is short-lived. The Austrian forces quickly discover his true identity, and he is executed publicly, with Elisabeth witnessing his tragic fate.

Having lost Angelo and devastated by the unfolding destruction, Anderl seeks out Francesca — offering forgiveness and a chance for peace amid chaos. They escape together from the war-torn village, reaching the mountains moments before the explosion, which annihilates the Austrian stronghold. The blast signifies the destructive power of war as much as hope for renewal. As they leave the valley behind, Anderl often reflects on that mountain — a silent monument to the soldiers, the love, and the loss that defined their lives during this dark chapter. Their journey ends with a poignant sense of longing and the memory of a mountain that now belongs only to their thoughts, a symbol of both destruction and the possibility of peace.

The Silent Mountain Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Silent Mountain (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Wedding of Elisabeth and Angelo

The story begins in May 1915 in South Tyrol where Anderl Gruber attends the wedding of his sister Elisabeth (Lisl) with Italian Angelo Calzolari. During the celebration, Anderl meets Francesca, Angelo's sister, with whom he instantly falls in love. The day is marked by a celebration of love and impending conflict just as Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary.

May 1915 South Tyrol

Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary

On the same day as the wedding, Italy declares war, leading to immediate tensions between Austrians and Italians. This declaration triggers the escalation of the conflict that divides the village and mobilizes the young men into their respective armies. The atmosphere shifts from celebration to conflict within moments.

May 1915

Francesca hides her identity

With the expulsion of Italians from the village, Francesca is forced to hide her Italian identity to avoid persecution. Fritz Weinberger, a local teacher with strong anti-Italian sentiments, exploits her situation and offers protection in exchange for sexual favors. Francesca faces moral dilemmas amidst wartime fears.

Austrian forces trick Italian attack

An Austro-Hungarian Army platoon occupying nearby mountains successfully tricks Italian forces into retreating by using deception and strategic positioning. Later, German Alpenkorps units reinforce their hold on the mountain, bolstering the Austrian defense against the Italian offensive.

Anderl is wounded at the battlefield

Anderl is wounded in a massive battle between Austrian and Italian forces and ends up in the hotel Gruber, which has been transformed into a field hospital. His injury marks a crucial moment in his experience of war and sets the stage for his emotional struggles related to love, loyalty, and survival.

Hotel Gruber

Anderl discovers Francesca's affair and fights back

Upon discovering Francesca's affair with Fritz Weinberger, Anderl returns to the frontlines filled with rage. In a display of fierce determination, he single-handedly repels a massive Italian attack, showcasing his resilience and the personal toll of war on his character.

Italian plans to blow up the mountain

The Italian commander Nicola Quinziato orders Angelo to dig a tunnel beneath the Austrian positions with plans to launch an offensive through it or detonate explosives to destroy the mountain and the Austrian troops. Angelo, with his engineering skills, becomes integral to Italy's secret military strategy.

Angelo exposed and executed

Angelo's involvement in the tunnel plans is uncovered by the Austrians after he reveals Italian strategies. He is captured and swiftly executed by Austrian troops in front of Elisabeth, highlighting the personal sacrifices and brutal realities of wartime espionage and betrayal.

Anderl helps Angelo escape and returns to the village

Anderl secretly helps Angelo return to their village after his capture, showing his loyalty and love amid chaos. Angelo’s return is short-lived as his identity is soon discovered, resulting in further tragic consequences for him and the village.

Angelo is executed

The Austrian troops execute Angelo for his part in the Italian plans, and Elisabeth witnesses his death. This event marks a tragic climax in the story, underscoring the personal losses inflicted by the war and the harshness of wartime justice.

Anderl searches for Francesca

In the aftermath, Anderl searches for Francesca, forgives her, and leads her away from the village to the mountains. Their escape symbolizes hope and love amid the devastation caused by war, as they seek refuge away from the conflict.

Explosion destroys Austrian stronghold

Arriving near the Austrian positions, Anderl and Francesca witness an explosion that detonates the mountain, destroying the Austrian stronghold. The event signifies the climax of their struggle, bringing a sense of relief and the end of the military threat on that mountain.

Near Austrian positions

Leaving the valley and reflection

After the explosion, Anderl and Francesca leave the war-torn valley, heading away from conflict. Anderl often reflects on the mountain without soldiers, symbolizing the enduring memory of peace and the personal scars left by the war, as they seek a new beginning.

Mountain and valley

The Silent Mountain Characters

Explore all characters from The Silent Mountain (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Anderl Gruber (William Moseley)

A brave and compassionate young man from a wealthy family, Anderl shows resilience and a protective nature. Throughout the movie, he displays loyalty and emotional strength as he faces the horrors of war and personal betrayal, seeking redemption and love.

Hero Loyal Caring

Francesca Calzolari (Claudia Cardinale)

A gentle and courageous woman hiding her Italian identity amidst war. Francesca's character embodies resilience and vulnerability, struggling to preserve her love and integrity under societal pressure and danger.

Resilient Protective Vulnerable

Fritz Weinberger (Fritz Karl)

A local teacher filled with hatred towards Italians, Fritz exemplifies the destructive power of prejudice. His exploitation of Francesca underscores themes of betrayal and moral corruption driven by wartime enmity.

Antagonist Prejudiced Manipulative

Angelo Calzolari (Corrado Invernizzi)

A dedicated civil engineer turned soldier, Angelo displays bravery and dedication, risking his life to uncover Italian plans. His fate reflects the peril faced by those caught in the machinery of war.

Engineer Brave Strategic

The Silent Mountain Settings

Learn where and when The Silent Mountain (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

May 1915 onwards

The movie is set during World War I, specifically beginning in May 1915, the year Italy entered the war. This period was marked by fierce mountain battles, trench warfare, and significant military strategies involving tunnels and explosives. It was an era of intense national conflicts and military innovations in the Alps.

Location

South Tyrol, Austria

South Tyrol is a mountainous region in northern Italy, known for its stunning Alpine scenery and historical ties to Austria. During World War I, it was a strategic battleground between Austria-Hungary and Italy. The rugged terrain and mountain fortresses played a crucial role in the conflict depicted in the film.

🏔️ Mountain 🏡 Alpine 🇦🇹 Austrian region

The Silent Mountain Themes

Discover the main themes in The Silent Mountain (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

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War & Sacrifice

The film explores the brutal realities of war, including the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. It highlights personal sacrifices, betrayal, and the devastating impact of armed conflict on individual lives and relationships.

💔

Love & Betrayal

A central theme is the power of love amid chaos, with characters experiencing forbidden romance and betrayal. The story demonstrates how personal relationships are tested and sometimes shattered by the horrors of war and societal divisions.

⛰️

Resilience & Hope

Despite brutal battles and personal losses, the characters seek hope and resilience. The mountain setting symbolizes endurance, survival, and the longing for peace beyond violence.

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The Silent Mountain Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of The Silent Mountain (2014). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the spring of 1915, the jagged peaks of the South Tyrolean Alps become more than a backdrop; they are a living, breathing character that bears the weight of a continent at war. The landscape is raw and unforgiving, its frozen valleys echoing with the clatter of artillery and the whispered prayers of a people caught between empires. Against this stark canvas, the film paints a portrait of a world where borders are as fluid as the snow‑drifted winds, and every horizon holds both danger and a fleeting promise of peace.

At the heart of the story is Anderl Gruber, a young Austrian soldier whose quiet strength is matched only by the depth of his devotion. Raised in a village where the mountain has always dictated life, he steps from the familiar comforts of home into the chaotic front lines, carrying with him an unexpected love that defies the bitter nationalism of the time. His affection for Francesca, an Italian woman whose own life has been reshaped by the conflict, creates a fragile bridge across a chasm of cultural tension and war‑fatigued suspicion.

The central premise follows Anderl’s daring trek across treacherous passes as he races against an impending catastrophe—a looming explosion that threatens to tear the mountain apart. His mission, driven by love and a yearning for survival, forces him to confront the harsh realities of combat while navigating a terrain that seems intent on swallowing both body and hope. The journey becomes a meditation on the lengths one will go to protect what matters most when the world around them is collapsing.

Through muted lighting, sweeping aerial shots, and a score that swells like the wind over the peaks, the film immerses the viewer in a mood that is simultaneously bleak and luminous. It balances the brutal austerity of war with intimate moments of tenderness, inviting audiences to linger on the paradox of beauty found amid devastation, and to wonder whether love can truly endure when the very earth beneath it is set to erupt.