Italy for me From Italy with love
The Italian film studio “Cinecittà” (literally “Cinema City”) has given the world many remarkable films. Even Federico Fellini himself never fully understood whether cinema was magic or reality. Decide for yourself with this selection of ten masterpieces from his favorite studio.
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La Dolce Vita (1960)
This cult classic by the unforgettable Federico Fellini portrays the “sweet life” of Rome’s elite in the finest decadent tradition. A storyline perfectly suited to the 1960s, combined with the brilliant performance of Marcello Mastroianni, secured the film’s success. The Vatican’s harsh condemnation only fueled its popularity. The film won both an Oscar and the Palme d’Or.
Fellini’s Roma (1972)
A reflective, documentary-style film in which the great master pays tribute to the most important city in his life. A spatial and temporal journey of a genius captured on film. Recipient of a Golden Globe Award.
Ben-Hur (1959)
An epic tale of Rome’s war with Judea. The gripping story follows the adventures of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who endures humiliating captivity and the pain of family separation, yet never loses his resilience. Widely acclaimed by both critics and audiences, the film earned eleven Oscars and five Golden Globe Awards.
Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di Biciclette, 1948)
A poignant film in the neorealist style. Director Vittorio De Sica masterfully depicted both the wealth and poverty of postwar Rome. A poster-hanger loses his bicycle — and with it, his only means of livelihood — and is eventually driven to theft himself. The use of non-professional actors added a unique charm to the film, showcasing the director’s innovative approach. The film received both an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award.
Cleopatra (1963)
A lavish epic drama with a staggering $44 million budget — and an equally epic box office failure. Despite its opulent sets and Elizabeth Taylor’s enormous salary (about $7 million), both critics and audiences received the film coolly. Rex Harrison provided a redeeming performance as Caesar, which was widely praised. The film still won four Oscars.
Rome, Open City (Roma, città aperta, 1945)
A film by neorealism pioneer Roberto Rossellini depicting the anti-fascist resistance in Rome in 1944. A young Federico Fellini contributed to the screenplay, with some episodes drawn from his own experiences. While the film was not initially embraced in Italy, it quickly gained acclaim abroad. It was awarded the Grand Prix at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival.
Roman Holiday (1953)
This romantic comedy about a princess and a journalist embarking on a tour of Rome has charmed audiences for more than half a century. Its enduring appeal owes much to the effortless performances of the dazzling duo Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The film won three Oscars and ranks among the top ten classic romantic comedies in world cinema history.
Dear Diary (Caro diario, 1993)
The Eternal City remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists. This trilogy by director Nanni Moretti expresses his perspective on Rome, encompassing every facet of life in the Italian capital. The film was awarded the Palme d’Or.
Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è bella, 1997)
Yes, in the incredible portrayal by Roberto Benigni, life can indeed be beautiful—even in a Nazi concentration camp! This almost surreal film tells the story of a Jewish bookseller and his son during the darkest period of their lives, transformed by the father’s imagination into an engaging game. The ultimate prize: American tanks liberating the camp’s prisoners. The film won three Oscars.
Gangs of New York (2002)
A crime drama by Martin Scorsese starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film’s budget was around $100 million.
The criminal underworld and social struggles of New York in the second half of the 19th century are depicted vividly and realistically. The gripping plot, spectacular production, and powerful performances leave a lasting impression. The film received a Golden Globe Award.
And what’s your favorite Italian film?