'Nights of Cabiria'

A very, very good film. Probably my favorite of Federico Fellini's mostly because it's the quinessential post-war, European film.

It's gritty and broken. The super-cute Giulietta Masina (Fellini's wife) plays a prostitute that wants nothing more than to be loved and lead some life that's deemed normal.

Instead, she's keeps getting crapped on by guys just wanting money and nothing else. It's depressing and sad.

Right at the moment when you don't think that Cabiria can not take anymore, can not go any further without breaking for good, the sun shines. A party of young people parade on the road with singing and music.

All of this a perfect allegory for post-war Europe. A continent on the brink that over time find its groove. Like Stella.

I also like it a lot because it's the first of Fellini's that didn't focus on Italy's celebrity and upper-crust.