Top Ten Italian Films

When it comes to film, no one does it better than the Italians (but that's just my opinion). They have a rich history of war dramas, romantic comedies and romantic dramas -- and each is always wholeheartedly centered on characterization. Unlike American film, which is driven by plot, the Italian film-makers begin with the character and build out from there, often concerned little with plot or storytelling in the conventional sense. Every gesture, statement, silence and flash of the eyes is followed intently by the camera; a simple hand movement can give a scene meaning and truth. It is because of their commitment to emotion and the human spirit that the Italians can best be praised for their neo-realist works.

The Italian film-makers of the neo-realist genre believe that reality is much more beautiful than anything that could be made up and because of this, many of the "actors" in Italian film are not actors at all, but rather people off the street. Carpenters, bums, retail clerks, mothers and children -- unknowns like you and me -- are the stars of Italian cinema. The reason I bring neo-realism up is because it is in many ways, the foundation of Italian film and a representation of their love of the Epicurean lifestyle.

Italian film is a celebration of life, a chance to stop and notice the details of human nature we normally miss while so wrapped up in other things. So, here are my top ten Italian films:

1.) La Dolce Vita "The Sweet Life"
Director: Federico Fellini
Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg

2.) Two Women
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Starring: Sophia Loren, Jean-Paul Belmondo

3.) Paisa
Director: Roberto Rossellini
Starring: Carmela Sazio, Robert Van Loon

4.) The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Starring: Lino Capolicchio, Dominique Sanda

5.) Divorce Italian Style
Director: Pietro Germi
Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Daniela Rocca

6.) The Bicycle Thief
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Starring: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola

7.) City of Women
Director: Federico Fellini
Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Prucnal