Review of La Strada (1954) by Danielle K — 27 Dec 2009
Oh how my heart ached after seeing this film. a bright-eyed young woman is sold to be an assistant/slave to an extremely cranky and abusive 'strong man' who takes his act across the country in a teetering motorcycle/trailer.
the girl suffers abuse after abuse, attempts to run away, but can't. she reaches a point where she's grown to love her abuser - she becomes a panting, enthusiastic servant dog to him, and seemingly nothing he might do would ever turn her heart against him.
anthony quinn is riveting in a role that requires him to do awful things yet still allow us to swallow gelsomina's faithfulness. the film is ultimately about what it takes for this boor of a man to finally understand that he was loved - and when the dawn comes, and it's too late, quinn's dissolution into grief is searing and unforgettable.
This review of La Strada (1954) was written by Danielle K on 27 Dec 2009.
La Strada has generally received very positive reviews.
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