Nights of Cabiria

Giulietta Masina won Best Actress at Cannes as the title character of one of Fellini's most haunting films. Oscar® winner for Best Foreign Language Film, Nights of Cabiria (Le Notti di Cabiria) is the tragic story of a naive prostitute searching for true love in the seediest sections of Rome. Rambling and leisurely paced, Nights of Cabiria is a sweet film of warmth and simple grace. It became the basis of Neil Simon's American musical Sweet Charity, with Shirley Maclaine taking Masina's role in Bob Fosse's film version. *** THIS IS A LICENSED AND MANUFACTURED DVD IMPORTED FROM SOUTH KOREA *** ITALIAN AUDIO WITH OPTIONAL ENGLISH AND KOREAN SUB-TITLES *** Product Description

Incredibly Excellent Film, but no extras in this Korean package!

I purchased the Korean import version of NIGHTS OF CABIRIA in order to save a few bucks buying it used, and it's a good copy of the film and there is a choice of Korean and English subtitles (or of course no subtitles and just listening in Italian). I have no complaints, but being such a HUGE FAN of this film I admit I wish I would have forked over the extra $[...] it would have taken to get the version that has the director's cut, a whole scene of a "man with a bag" that was cut out of the film as well as interviews with a couple of the people who worked on the film. If you're buying this movie because you are already ape over the film like me, you will probably be happier to get the more expensive version with all the extra goodies on it. You can tell the difference of the jacket photo -- the Korean version has some Korean words printed on the cover and the image of Cabiria with a fag in her mouth is cut closer to the edge and darker in tone overall.

One thing that fascinates me about Cabiria's character in this movie is that she has so much of the "talk" of a street whore -- the tough talk and the tough act -- yet her true nature keeps betraying her attempt at deep cover. And when she is not trying to be undercover and feels free to just be herself, she's naturally ebullient and one is struck the the wonder and beauty one sees of life while looking through her eyes. Let the mean and cruel come her way, the indomitable spirit remains always untouched and Divine, just as the very name "Cabiria" which she took on after "taking on the life" represents a group of archaic dieties.

Oh, and one more thing. This was made by in '57 when censors were very strong. What is notably missing in the film is any actual depiction of her actual profession in regard to sex. Nor is there any profanity spoken. A child could watch this film and have no idea what she did for a living. They would probably just think she was someone that didn't work at all. Excellent movie and in my opinion safe for any age child. May 25, 2008

Korean Release

Just received this 'Korean release' and there is nothing to criticize after having viewed it as far as the video and audio is concerned. It looks just like a regular Criterion release would look I imagine. There is no 'bonus' material, though. Just wondering if the Criterion version has any.

I really enjoy watching this film. Glad I have my own copy now. April 17, 2008

Innocence Flows from the Soul of a Whore.

The present review is only for the movie. The quality of this DVD is unknown to me.
Director Federico Fellini was undoubtedly a film maker genius!
Since his earlier works "La Strada" (1954) and "La Dolce Vita" (1960) thru "Fellini Satyricon" (1969) and "Amarcord" (1973) till his lasts "Ginger and Fred" (1986) and "The Voice of the Moon" (1990) he has left a legacy treasure for film lovers and film makers.
Most of his films combine fantasy and reality in a rich mixture with no fixed boundaries. He displays his own personal conflicts in regard to religious belief; sex and love; youngsters' education; political and religious power; richness and poverty; all this themes and more are shown with a visceral approach.
The viewer will be attracted and repelled alternatively and at the end of each of his movies will go out of the theater (or the bed room or living-room) knowing that he/she has assisted to the show of a unique piece of art.

"The Nights of Cabiria" (1957) is still a constituent of the Italian "Neorealist" film school, showing the poorest neighborhood from Rome and its population of outcasts. The influence of this movement will always emerge in Fellini's movies one way or the other.
Cabiria is a whore striving to survive, at the same time her soul is that of an incurable romantic innocent.
The opening scene shows Cabiria being swindled by her lover. She survives to this harassment and continues living her harsh life.
The whole film is an endearing chronicle of her life, dreams, pains, joys and religious faith, but above all a compassionate regard to all her entourage.

The film was awarded with Foreign Film Oscar and Giulietta Masina with Cannes' Best Actress Award for her anthological performance.
A marvelous film to see!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
July 20, 2007

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