Cheap Nights of Cabiria (Video) (Giulietta Masina, François Périer) (Federico Fellini) Price

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Customer Reviews of Nights of Cabiria

beautiful transfer of accessible early Fellini
Although not one of the more important works in the Fellini canon, Night's of Cabiria is undoubtedly one of his most polished and most accessible works. Fellini's wife Giulietta Masina (in her finest performance) stars as the lively and optimistic prostitute Cabiria, searching for true love in one of the seediest parts of Rome. The plot, at first glance a rather dull, depressing subject, is livened by Fellini's inspired use of humour. The neo-realist style is enhanced by the dialogue, co-written by the controversial Italian film-maker Pier Paolo Pasolini (Salo, Accatone), and newly translated here. Considering the film's age (and a sequence of the film was lost) the picture quality is quite stunning. The sound shows its age far more, but is perfectly audible and acceptable. The extras are a welcome addition, the original and re-release trailers, a couple of informative interviews, and an extract from the White Sheik (although this is of rather poor quality, it still makes for an interesting addition).

So despite the high price it's a very recommended buy, a great transfer of a great film.

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Fellini's masterpiece!
Watching "Nights Of Cabiria" is not unlike falling under a intense spell from which you cannot breakaway (not that you'd want to). From the opening scene where the flawless Massina is frolicking with her boyfriend to the uplifting, yet heart-breaking ending, we're captivated by this story of the dignity that lies within even the most seemingly hopeless of souls. At times, I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. At others, I found myself doing both, simultaneously. This is, without doubt, Fellini's masterpiece and deserves every single accolade ever bestowed upon it. I cannot recommend this film enough. It is one of my favorite films and I defy anyone who sees it to walk away from it an unchanged person. The eternal story of the triumph of the human spirit has never been communicated in a more moving, funny, intense and utterly beautiful way than that which was fashioned by the genius that is Federico Fellini. The last scene with Massina walking in tears, a timid smile creeping onto her lips, surrounded by young, happy revelers with Nino Rota's beautiful music casting it's spell, is one of the great moments in all of motion pictures.

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Another classic that has left me COLD-but I warm easily
"La Notti Di Cabriria" is a fine showcase for the goofball charm of Giulietta Masina. I have no doubt that it has reduced many a mighty soul to tears and trembling. The story is tight and conveyed with authority and conviction. I am certain that this is a "good" movie that most people enjoy thoroughly. I'm going to back and watch it again, but as it stands, it just didn't move me like I expected it to. I can't very well give it a higher rating until it impacts me emotionally.

Still, I recognize that the film has an exceedingly dirty feel to it. Everything from Cabriria's occupation to the filthy beggars crying out for Grace from Maria --reek with a pestilence that cannot be washed off. The film is ugly--and Cabriria is presented like a little beacon of light to guide the viewer through the stinking pit of civilization. Masina does a fine job conveying the sufferings and triumphs of her character. I'm just not a big fan of these types of stories--I watched it because it is a Fellini film and I am trying to work my way through all his work. I will watch this again after I've made more of a dent in his output. I'll probably see it in an entirely different way and perhaps may even like it more.

Ultimately, if you love rooting for the little gal, this film is for you. She is very much like Chaplin's "little tramp" and you will enjoy observing her gritty determination to climb every mountain with a song in her heart. Watch it when you are not cynical, open to sweetness, and not afraid of the tyranny of the sun.