La Strada
Director : Federico Fellini
Country : Italy
Release Date : 1954
Duration : 94 mins
Language : Italian
Subtitles : Yes
WINNER : BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM AT 1956 OSCARS
Fellini drew on his own circus background for this classic tale. Set in a seedy travelling carnival, this symbolism-laden drama revolves around brutish strongman Zampano (Anthony Quinn), his simple and servile girlfriend Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina, Fellini’s wife), and clown Matto (Richard Basehart). Appalled at Zampano’s insensitive treatment of Gelsomina, the gentle-natured Matto invites her to run off with him but Gelsomina, like a faithful pet, refuses to leave the strong man’s side. Eventually Zampano’s volcanic temper erupts once too often, leading to tragic consequences. Winner of the first official Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film, awarded in 1956.
“The movie that perhaps I loved the most.” (Pope Francis)