MovieChat Forums > Il mercenario (1969) Discussion > Sergei Kowalski's Medal.

Sergei Kowalski's Medal.


Being of Polish origin, and having a family which has a military heritage going way back to the early 1800s, I'm curious as to the cross-shaped medal that Franco Nero wears on his leather waistcoat, and then towards the end of the film around his neck.

Can anyone identify it? I've tried scanning screenshots and enlarging them, but there isn't enough detail to identify it. I don't belive it can be a World War I campaign medal, since the film is set before/during that period in history, and it's unlikely that Kowalski would have fought in that war. More likely it may have been a campaign medal from one of the numerous wars Poland fought against the Bolsheviks prior to WWI.

Either that, or it's just a meaningless prop, but it would be nice to see the detail on that medal. Any ideas?

reply

I believe this relates to the religious allegory of the film. The cross is known as a symbol of Christ, and Nero's character is a symbolic character of Christ. For example, Nero's character is put in a cross like restraint during the plane bombing scene. I hope that helps.

reply

But Curly is also viewed a couple of times with the holy symbol. He makes a cross when someone dies and he rides along cross in ruins. So maybe it's just a trademark or to show both persons hypocrisy.

reply