Too much of everything

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

This Fellini film is an unforgettable experience. I have recently seen two high-level "neo-realist" films: Vittorio De Sica's "ladri di Biciclete" and Luis Bunuel's "los Olvidados". After seeing them, I thought it was almost impossible to see some "neo-realist" film superior to these two. But this "la strada" can still be up one level in relation to the films I mentioned. Giuletta Masina is simply amazing in her role of Gelsomina and Anthony Quinn is brilliant as Zampano. It's a cruel movie, being sensitive. It's a sensitive movie, being cruel. It's a movie like no other, of those who will be with us forever.

I'm finding Federico Fellini, much like Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, to be something of an acquired taste. That's a politically correct way of saying that I don't care very much for their pictures. Maybe it has something to do with the era in which they worked. Both their styles seem to be drawn out and methodical in a way that doesn't engage this viewer. Personal taste I guess.I recently watched "The Nights of Cabiria", another Fellini film with his wife, Giulietta Masina in the lead role. I had to wonder about the way her character Gelsomina was written for this story. There seemed to be particular emphasis placed on the idea that she was ugly, or at least as fashionable as an artichoke, both descriptions offered by The Fool (Richard Basehart). Additionally, I couldn't tell at first if she was mentally challenged, because she did little to engage in a meaningful way with other characters. But later on, she seemed to be an intelligent person but with hurt feelings, and you could sense the dichotomy in her personality. Adding to the illusion, she was made up to look like Harpo Marx, with hints of Chaplin's Little Tramp in the way she conducted herself.For this viewer, this was Anthony Quinn's best role, though I haven't seen "Zorba the Greek" yet. I thought he did a good job with a complex character, even though his outward persona was pretty much a brute. I actually had to laugh a bit regarding his strongman gimmick. If you took notice, the chain he used for his act was secured with a rather tenuous link that didn't look like it would be too tough to separate. It wasn't as if, as Zampano claimed, that he was using his muscular chest to break an iron chain.I think this picture would have had more resonance for me in a modern day setting, and if the characters were a little better developed. I didn't really identify with the players in any meaningful way and the randomness of the situations seemed contrived in a way. I might do better with a second viewing, but with so many movies and so little time, it's going to take a while.

It's ridiculously late at night right now and I just finished watching Fellini's masterful classic "La Strada" for the very first (and, by the looks of it, certainly not last) time. I was planning on sleeping right after the film ended and publishing an IMDb review tomorrow, but the film had such a profound effect on me that I feel the need to review it now, and share my experience will all of you.Although it is a tragedy, "La Strada" still carries classic Fellini whimsy, magic, and humor. It also expresses his talent for storytelling, character, and ability to amuse and entertain while also being intelligent and meaningful. This is a carnivalesque dance of the human soul, exposing both the positives and negatives of life itself. The characters are some of the finest and most memorable I have ever seen in the film. There is the childlike and lovable heroine Gelsomina, the menacing, abusive, and yet surprisingly sympathetic villain Zampano, and the hilarious and inspiring Fool. These memorable personalities clash in a practically perfect film that combines neorealism with surrealism and tragedy with comedy. A true masterpiece if I've ever seen one.

LA STRADA is a film about wandering and aimless life, the harsh truth and beautiful poetry. The film emphasizes the sadness, loneliness and need for love, purpose and understanding. The story is about an unusual friendship between strongman and mildly mentally retarded girl in the entertainment show.This film is a quite realistic and honest life's journey, in which lack of tenderness and compassion. It is fascinating that in said film does not express the tragedy nor exaggerated melodrama. Simple passions, fears and emotions is the easiest to recognize. In addition to expression and pantomime words are superfluous. Love hurts when it does not recognize.Acting is extremely touching. Anthony Quinn as Zampano in the role of a strong, simple and ruthless primitive. It is interesting to see how his characterization develops. The inherent solitude can not resist the poetry. Giulietta Masina as Gelsomina is versatile and all the story revolves around Gelsomina. Her eyes, sadness or joy on her face were enough to change human life. So much for the purpose.This is truly a beautiful film filled with sadness, humor and understanding.