Fellini, Visconti, Sorrentino, Benigni... These Italian filmmakers have made significant contributions to cinematic history across the years, giving us numerous outstanding works... each worth watching at least once in your lifetime. Below are our top six picks.
Being fascinated by Italian cinema means delving into a distinctive approach to narrating tales, portraying life, and playing with visuals and feelings. It involves embracing an audacious and pioneering visual style along with genres that have had global impact—such as neorealism in the 1940s, the spaghetti western, or even contemporary art-house movements. giallo —a mix of suspense and stylistic terror— cinema from Italy occupies a vital space within the seventh art itself. To discover some must-see Italian movies for your list, read further.
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The 6 essential films you should watch from Italian cinema
La dolce vita (1960) by Federico Fellini
Marcello Rubini, a journalist aspiring for recognition, navigates through the high society of Rome. While mingling among stars, nobility, and creatives, he gets entangled in the shallowness of their lifestyle and faces an internal identity struggle.
Why see it? It stands as a remarkable contemplation on seeking significance, enhanced by Fellini’s distinctive visual style, featuring the iconic moment when Anita Ekberg makes her entrance. the Trevi Fountain .
La grande bellezza (2013) by Paolo Sorrentino
Jep Gambardella, a seasoned author, immerses himself in the lavish gatherings and elite social scenes of Rome. Amidst this opulence, he reflects on the hollowness of his own life and ponders the significance of being alive.
Why see it ? A contemporary version of La dolce vita , featuring highly refined aesthetics and a keen criticism of contemporary society.
Ladri di biciclette ( The Bicycle Thief (1948) by Vittorio De Sica
In war-torn and poverty-stricken Italy, Antonio secures employment as a billboard hanger, relying heavily on his bicycle for his daily tasks. After his bike is stolen, he faces a significant challenge. he travels around Rome along with his son to locate it, battling poverty and hopelessness.
Why see it ? This movie exemplifies Italian neorealism, portraying the severe social conditions of the era with profound human compassion.
Rocco and his brothers (1960) by Luchino Visconti
A poor family from the region of Puglia relocates to Milan in search of a improved life. Conflicts and competitions among the siblings, mainly concerning boxing and romance, result in unavoidable turmoil.
Why see it ? A poignant family drama that vividly captures the social landscape of 1960s Italy with zest.
La vita è bella (Life is Beautiful) (1997) by Roberto Benigni
Guido, a Jewish father, employs his humor and creativity to shield his son from the atrocities of a concentration camp by transforming their ordeal into a 'game.' He devises a set of imaginary rules to keep up the pretense and maintain hope.
Why see it ? Both funny and poignant, La vita è bella approaches a challenging topic with sensitivity and creativity, demonstrating love and bravery.
Roma città aperta (Rome, Open City) (1945) by Roberto Rossellini
In the time when Nazis occupied Rome, resistance fighters stood up against their oppressors, aided notably by brave individuals like Pina—a devoted mother—and a dedicated priest.
Why see it ? This movie, which pioneered neo-realism, highlights the struggles and bravery of Italians facing oppression.
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