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In “Commander” (2023), the true and surprising story of Captain Salvatore Todaro is told in detail. During World War II, he risked the lives of his crew to rescue shipwrecked enemies. Amidst the chaos of naval combat, Todaro chose empathy, inspiring generations
Few moments in the naval history of the Second War World Cup are as surprising and dramatic as the episode of an Italian commander who, amid the chaos and the risk of British air attacks, decided to put the lives of his crew in danger to rescue shipwrecked enemy soldiers.
This is the backdrop of the Italian film “Commander” (2023), based on the book by Sandro Veronesi and directed by Edoardo de Angelis.
The film production revives a real and exciting story about war, morality and courage, taking the audience to discover life on board the Italian submarine Commander Cappellini during the most devastating war in history.
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Salvatore Todaro and the boldness in charge of Cappellini
Inspired by the true story of the Italian commander Salvatore Todaro, the film reveals the intense challenges faced by the officer and his crew aboard the submarine Cappellini during the Atlantic Naval War in 1940.
Todaro, born in 1908 and known for his culture and distinctive character, is portrayed in the film by actor Pierfrancesco Favino.
In a time when the motto of war overrode any norms of humanity, Todaro demonstrated a type of bravery that went beyond the battlefield, risking himself to save the lives of even those who, in theory, were his enemies.
During a patrol near Madeira Island, the submarine Cappellini intercepted the Belgian merchant ship Kabalo.
The ship, which was carrying war materials for British forces, was sailing without any lighting, which made it a potential target.
Even equipped with its own weapons, the Kabalo was quickly shot down by the Cappellini, which used cannon fire to sink it.
Todaro, however, did something unexpected: he ordered the rescue of 26 survivors from the Belgian ship. This rescue decision, in the midst of a war scenario, went against the military principles of the time., exposing the submarine itself to additional dangers.
Towing the lifeboats of the shipwrecked, the Cappellini spent three days sailing on the surface until it delivered them safely to the island of Santa Maria, in Portugal.
“Don Quixote of the Sea” and the second rescue
Salvatore Todaro's humanitarian attitude was soon repeated. On another mission, he attacked and sank the merchant ship Shakespeare, but also rescued the castaways.
These were taken to Cape Verde, in yet another risky maneuver that challenged the combat protocols of the time.
Although Todaro was highly respected by his crew and peers, his behavior on the battlefield troubled Karl Donitz, the admiral and commander of Nazi Germany's submarine forces.
For Dönitz, Todaro's actions were impulsive and inappropriate for a war scenario; he even nicknamed the Italian commander “Don Quixote of the Sea”, in a clear reference to the idealism considered inappropriate for the theater of operations.
Challenges and tension on board the submarine
The feature film “Commander” manages to convey the suffocating and tense atmosphere that permeated the Cappellini submarine.
The intense scenes portray the psychological impact of war on the crew, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas of their commander. Amidst the conflict, Todaro emerges as a charismatic and determined leader, whose ethics overcome the brutality of war.
According to Veronesi, author of the original work, Todaro had a unique worldview, which made him question military norms that, at the time, encouraged the complete elimination of the enemy without any compassion.
According to the film, Todaro's unique leadership inspired respect and loyalty from his subordinates, even though his actions often defied conventional military rules.
Posthumous recognition and tribute by the Italian Navy
Despite the controversies and criticism he received, Salvatore Todaro was decorated by the Italian Navy and his courage was remembered by subsequent generations.
The country's naval force honored him by naming two vessels after him: the corvette F550 and the submarine S 526, in recognition of his legacy and the heroic deeds that made him an iconic figure.
For the Italian and international public, Todaro's trajectory symbolizes the conflict between military obligations and humanitarian values.
In an era marked by extremism, Todaro chose actions that many of his contemporaries would consider reckless, but which, in fact, reveal a rare type of heroism.
Impact production and criticism of the Second World War
The film, directed by Edoardo de Angelis and released in 2023, highlights the brutality of war, while contrasting it with the moral values of a commander who defied the norms to save lives.
De Angelis worked with the screenwriter Sandro Veronesi to bring a detailed and emotional perspective on Todaro's role during World War II.
The plot explores not only combat action, but also the complexity of decision-making in the naval setting, where human life is often treated as a simple statistic.
“Commander” is not just a war story; it is an invitation to reflect on the humanity that can exist amidst the cruelty of conflict.
According to the production, the war environment highlights both the worst and the best aspects of humanity, bringing out Todaro's courage, empathy and resilience.
A story that echoes to this day
The story of Italian commander Salvatore Todaro raises questions about ethics and morality in war.
Is it possible to maintain humanitarian principles in the midst of a devastating conflict? Todaro's legacy suggests so, even if it means defying his superiors and risking his own life and that of his crew.
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