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Poster for La Strada

La Strada

Filmed in Italy - where it happened!

1954 · 1h 55m · Not Rated Drama
Directed by Federico Fellini

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Overview

When Gelsomina, a naïve young woman, is purchased from her impoverished mother by brutish circus strongman Zampanò to be his wife and partner, she loyally endures her husband's coldness and abuse as they travel the Italian countryside performing together. Soon Zampanò must deal with his jealousy and conflicted feelings about Gelsomina when she finds a kindred spirit in Il Matto, the carefree circus fool, and contemplates leaving Zampanò.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
98%
Tomatometer
Rotten

Early mush from the master, Federico Fellini.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Symbols, metaphors, and larger-than-life performances hold sway, and moments of bizarre if inconsequential charm abound.

Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Fresh

Signor Fellini has used his small cast, and, equally important, his camera, with the unmistakable touch of an artist. His vignettes fill his movie with beauty, sadness, humor and understanding.

A.H. Weiler, New York Times
Fresh

As French critic Andre Bazin pointed out, 'The Fellini character does not evolve; he ripens.' And so do his movies.

Rita Kempley, Washington Post
Fresh

La Strada is the first film that can be called entirely 'Felliniesque.'

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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