(English: While There's War There's Hope ; Bulgarian: Докато има война, има надежда ) is a 1974 Italian satirical film directed by and starring Alberto Sordi . It is a biting "commedia all'italiana" that serves as a dark social critique of consumerism and morality. Plot Overview
The story follows (Sordi), a modest salesman of hydraulic pumps for bathrooms. Realizing that his current profession cannot support the lavish lifestyle his family craves, he pivots to a far more lucrative business: international arms dealing in Third World countries. (English: While There's War There's Hope ; Bulgarian:
When a journalist exposes Pietro's profession, his family initially reacts with shock and moral indignation. Realizing that his current profession cannot support the
The film remains a stark study of how ordinary people can become complicit in global atrocities simply by prioritizing their own comfort and social standing. While some reviewers on IMDb note its "melancholic
While some reviewers on IMDb note its "melancholic vision" and "cynicism," others feel the second half leans heavily into anti-war rhetoric.
As Pietro travels across Africa selling weapons to dictators and warring factions, his wealth skyrockets. However, the physical and moral toll of his "dirty" business begins to weigh on him.