The subject matter of "5 Branded Women" is unusual and the dark tone of the film is clearly one you wouldn't have seen had it been made during WWII. The story is set in Yugoslavia in 1943 during the Nazi occupation. It begins with five women who were sleeping with German soldiers having their heads shaved in shame by the partisans...a common practice throughout Europe for any woman having sexual relations with the enemy...even if, in many cases, the women had no choice. But these five are plucky and after having their heads shaved and being forced to leave town, they decide to become partisans themselves and they attack a convoy of German soldiers. Soon, the actual partisans join in the attack. Later, they know the women's loyalty and ask them to join their group of guerilla fighters. This story is about what follows.
The film has a most unusual group of American actors, such as Van Heflin, Barbara Bel Geddes and Richard Basehart. But there also are some international film actors, such as Jeanne Moreau as well as many Italians in supporting roles. It also is excellent because it is so realistic...not some gung ho sort of movie but one showing how awful this sort of life was. Well worth seeing...and a very tough and entertaining film.
The film has a most unusual group of American actors, such as Van Heflin, Barbara Bel Geddes and Richard Basehart. But there also are some international film actors, such as Jeanne Moreau as well as many Italians in supporting roles. It also is excellent because it is so realistic...not some gung ho sort of movie but one showing how awful this sort of life was. Well worth seeing...and a very tough and entertaining film.