In this movie, Felini shows he understands human nature. We all desire to be loved, to be needed, to be significant. We all do the things we do, and seldom stop doing them, often unaware why we do them. This movie deals with those human universals in a ostensibly simple and touching matter. Not many filmmakers have a touch delicate enough to handle such matters without sentimentality or cliché'. He is very honest and sincere. Anthony Quinn is terrific as Zampano. Guilietta Masina is adorable as Gelsomina. Richard Baseheart is very convincing as the Fool who can't help but be a fool. Felini is very sympathetic towards his characters. He is able to draw us in so that we sympathize as well. This is a tremendous film.
