Want a truly delightful comedy? Big Deal on Madonna Street is IT.

Films/DVD Asylum

Movies from comedy to drama to your favorite Hollyweird Star.

When speaking of Italian cinema most people will remember the names of the titans, and rightfully so. We all know those neo-realism monuments... somber, sad and poignant.
Much less known are the comedies of that period. And the name of Mario Monichelli is hardly a household word - even though his filmography is a few pages long. Perhaps his most memorable work was the 1968 La Ragazza con la Pistola, with incredible Monica Vitti.
Big Deal on Madonna Street is his earlier, 1958 work, and it sports an incredible cast with names like Vittorio Gassman, Marcello Mastroiani, Toto, Claudia Cardinale, Renato Salvatori...
To say this is a completely and truly enjoyable masterpiece would be a pale chiche and a great understatement. The film sizzles with an understated humor, not the kind of slapstick that often masquerades for it, but deep, underlying, and sometimes even sad one. The characters are well defined and each gives us plenty to chew on, and even analyse and remember later - because you WILL be returning to this wonderful film in your memories.
I will not spoil your fun by disclosing the plot - you can do so on your own if you so wish... but since this marvel is so well within your rich, I think you owe it to yourself to rent it - Netflix has it.
You will laugh hysterically in some spots, and get a good dash of bitterness in others, with the overall result being a deeply humanist film with strong realism undertones, that is impossible not to enjoy. In fact, I might be ordering the Criterion disc for my collection.
All told, this film gets the highest and the strongest recommendation.

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Topic - Want a truly delightful comedy? Big Deal on Madonna Street is IT. - Victor Khomenko 06:04:54 12/19/05 (3)

Ok, will add to my list! Vittorio Gassman AND Monica V? Can't miss. nt - tinear 12:36:40 12/19/05 (1)

But not in the same film, of course! - Victor Khomenko 13:37:39 12/19/05 (0)

Re: Want a truly delightful comedy? Big Deal on Madonna Street is IT. - patrickU 11:16:20 12/19/05 (0)

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