This is probably Federico Fellini's finest film. I think it was the second film that featured giulietta Masina. The first being nights of cabiria. She is great in La Strada. Anthony Quinn is fantastic. And Richard basehart is a very sympathetic character
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Recently I purchased "La Strada" on eBay as part of my "see every Fellini" movie campaign. I've been fascinated with Fellini movies since I first saw "Juliet of the Spirits." Now, with La Strada, I have another movie to share with friends that is amazing for its sympathetic heroine and her unusual talent at being a clown for the cartoonish brute who purchased her from her mother in early 1950's Italy. Played by Giulietta Massina, whose large expressive eyes framed by her boyish blond hair say so much, Gelsomina is clearly no genius, but her childlike innocence and heartfelt love for others creates many poignant moments in the film. The brutish gypsy Zampano (Anthony Quinn) has very limited talents but calls himself an artist. After taking Gelsomina under his wings and teaching her a few "tricks" to complement his repertoire, it becomes clear that he is the nastiest characters ever depicted on film. Abusive, snide, sarcastic and uniformly unlikeable, he makes a surprising change at the end when he feels remorse for accidentally murdering a circus performer, and even more remorse for the reaction of Gelsomina, who loses her mind in horrified sympathy for "the Fool" who is "hurting." The film is in black and white, but the reproduction on the Criterion Collection DVD is crisp and clear, with rich sound and easy-to-read subtitles. Every moment of this film is worthwhile, and bears re-viewing again and again. In my experience with Fellini, this is one of the more accessible films, with less mystery than "Juliet of the Spirits," more plot than "Roma," less darkness than "Cassanova," and more interesting philosophical content than "8 1/2." My favorite Fellini film? It is still "Satyricon," but more on that another time.Read full review
I love this movie! It's a great film, packaged new, and very clear on my TV. Good sound and has English subtitles too.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Just as I remembered as a kid watching it with my Mom, so many years ago. I shed tears then, and it had me doing the same thing again!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A wonderful, touching film from 1954, Fellini’s best. Highly recommended.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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