Powerful drama about faith, hope and meaning at a major turning point in American history, the American Civil War.

In the winter of 1862, during the American Civil War, a group of volunteer soldiers explores uncharted territory in the western part of the country. Far from the front, their job consists mainly of waiting: for directions, for other troops, or for an attack. As these men from all backgrounds set up camp, play baseball and cards, they ponder God, life and the purpose of their mission. When the enemy finally strikes, the wild nature of Montana proves to be at least as deadly as its fellow man.

Unlike many other war films, director Roberto Minervini does not portray his story as a heroic epic with a clear line between good and evil, but presents a philosophical, intimate and extremely human portrait of an inhuman event. Shot in the overwhelming landscape of Montana with an ensemble of non-professional actors, Minervini managed to move the jury in Cannes: his historical and at the same time painfully relevant film earned him the prize for Best Director in the Un Certain Regard competition.