all-time classic of International Cinema merits permanent spot on critics Top 10 lists; the restaurant scene alone is priceless; purchase the new release from Criterion Collection = 2-DVD, restored image/sound, and loaded with extras: Enzo Staiola (Bruno, the son), now 60+, interviewed, and screenwriter Suso Cecchi D'Amico a venerable 90+, also interviewed

LE NOTTI DI CABIRIA = one of top 3 Fellini, with LA STRADA and 8 1/2 ; if you love the finale song, pick up CHANSONS POUR FELLINI (all in Italian, despite French-language title) here at amazon.com

Criterion's done L'AVVENTURA and L'ECLISSE, so they're likely working on a restored image/sound LA NOTTE 2-DVD package with loaded extras. The current release (image at left) is of relatively poor image quality, and I believe the subtitles are burned-in; rent it and wait to purchase Criterion's upcoming (when?) restored version, or Eureka/Masters of Cinema's Region 2 version

a smash hit at the New York Film Festival -- a rediscovered comic masterpiece featuring one of the late Alberto Sordi's finest performances -- this existential nightmare packs a surprise punch

4 films from 4 director's; my favorites: Mario Monicelli's RENZO E LUCIANA (an Italian economic-boom era update on Alessandro Manzoni's canonical novel, I PROMESSI SPOSI (The Betrothed) is very charming; Sophia Loren puts in a typically stunning appearance in her segment

director Pietro Germi's hilarious satire (1964) is darker and bolder than DIVORCE ITALIAN STYLE; lovely Stefania Sandrelli's career still going strong at 60

Pasolini's portrait of church and state in Italy is kooky entertainment, and features my favorite Toto' performance; the crow is a hoot, too (or could I say, 'Caw?' -- I'll be bold and shout it from the rooftops: CAW! CAW CAW!!!

IL CONFORMISTA is finally on DVD, at a bargain price! Paramount DVD release: orig. Italian w/English subtitles, and various other dub/subtitle options; three featurettes, including interviews with Bernardo Bertolucci and the late, great cinematographer Vittorio Storaro; It still begs for a Criterion 2-disc treatment

one of the best of the Wertmuller-Giannini collaborations of the 70s (Italian title: Mimi' metallurgico ferito nell'onore); see Giancarlo Giannini in the latest Bond films, CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Taviani Bros. adaptation of Sardinian linguist Gavino Ledda's autobiography = a unique experience (Cannes Palm D'Or winner); check out new DVD editions of Taviani Bros' THE NIGHT OF THE SHOOTING STARS, and KAOS (adapted Pirandello stories)

latest (2006) re-release has commentary by director Giuseppe Tornatore and film scholar Millicent Marcus (Yale Univ.), and more attractive bonus features; buy this or "deluxe 2-disc edition" with similar features (also 2006 -- both editions feature the orig. theatrical release version and the ext. version; we already miss the recently deceased icon of French Cinema, Philippe Noiret

Amelio is one of the finest living Italian directors; Lo Verso a gifted actor; don't miss their best, and one of the best films of the 90s: LAMERICA

huge laughs in another comedy of mistaken identity (though Benigni needs at least a 20 min. edit); Benigni's latest film is THE TIGER AND THE SNOW

Muccino bros. collaboration is an excellent film for teens interested in Italy as it features Roman teenagers doing their thing

a very moving, unsentimental portrait of a romantic relationship between two men (set in Rome) -- beautiful, disturbing, and often painful -- NOT lighthearted as the DVD cover might suggest

Matteo Garrone is one of Italy's most respected contemporary directors. His latest film is GOMORRA(H), adapted from the book on the Naples mafia, the Camorra; THE EMBALMER (L'Imbalsamatore) is a chilling noir about a stalker, and his PRIMO AMORE is an even more deeply-disturbing portrait of an abusive relationship; "Enjoy!" N.B. Criterion DVD is releasing GOMORRAH in Nov 09 (DVD & Blu-Ray).

30+ yrs of Italian history beautifully dramatized through the lives of 2 brothers, their friends and family ; acclaimed by critics when aired on Italian TV and then released in 2-parts in cinemas worldwide ; 6 hrs. of compelling, often deeply moving drama

engaging if unremarkable police thriller made for Italian TV; a good popcorn film for couples: action/suspense with handsome Kim Rossi Stuart; the title is grammatically correct: White Uno [the make of automobile used by the criminals]

Marco Bellocchio's BUONGIORNO, NOTTE is a moving dramatization of the 1978 kidnapping of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro, featuring an fine cast. Bellocchio's latest film is THE WEDDING DIRECTOR (Il regista di matrimoni) DVD available 11/18/08

very entertaining, moving, at times hilarious film dramatizing late 20th-century Italian politics through the eyes of two brothers, one communist and the other fascist, and the beautiful young woman they both love