Nights of Cabiria

A proud and fiery prostitute goes from heartache to heartache, as she travels through seedy parts of the Rome. From the opening scene where a john robs her and pushes her in a river, to an embarrassing display at a magic show, to a desperate plea to the Virgin Mother at a religious ceremony, to sad encounters with a movie star and a seemingly genuine man, Cabiria always seems to keep her spirit and maintain her dignity. "Nights of Cabiria" is the beautiful and bittersweet film from Federico Fellini. Giulietta Masina delivers of one the most accomplished performances in the history of film presenting a impassioned, hot-blooded laugh inspiring character and flawlessly transforming into a sorrowful, dejected presence at the onset of agony. Masina's performance along with the wonderful story and Fellini's wonderful black and white direction make "Nights of Cabiria" a wonderfully sad and essential film.