By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35657519
Nights of Cabiria - (1957) - Italy
Nothing I'm capable of writing could really do justice to Nights of Cabiria - only the second Fellini film I've ever seen. I had it on VHS for many years, but never got around to watching it back then, and I'm glad I didn't. I can appreciate it more now than I could during that era of my life. Giulietta Masina plays the prostitute going by the name 'Cabiria' and my eyes never left her for a moment. Such an expressive face, and a brilliant performance which completely transcends time and place. She reminds me a little bit of a manic Carole Lombard when her comedic notes hit home.
Cabiria believes in love deep down inside, so much so she's an easy target for men just out to use her, or steal from her. The opening scene where she's pushed into a river while her so-called boyfriend steals her money immediately grabs our attention, and we already want to know what sort of person this is - who wouldn't see beyond what must have been the empty promises and platitudes of her man? Whatever naivety she has about love is balanced by her general toughness, high hopes and endless energy. Has she learned yet, or is she destined to repeat history? No matter, for it seems nothing can quell her spirit.
Every aspect of this film was spot on. I rewatched it the morning after seeing it for the first time. A classic movie.
9/10