Review of Roman Holiday (1953) by Rob C — 28 Feb 2010

Many words come to mind when describing a film such as this; carefree, innocent, regal, beautiful, impeccable; but Roman Holiday wouldn't have been made possible if it wasn't for the two lead actors in Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

The film introduces Hepburn in her first lead role as Ann, a princess longing for the freedom to do what she would like and doing just that, in rather reckless abandon. A chance encounter with Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck); an American reporter, at a street bench in her drug-induced stupor starts a heartfelt adventure between the two.

Both characters hide their true identities from eachother and even when their adventure ends, still hold that secret until the final act of the film. There's a conservative and endearing atmosphere surrounding the city of Rome, displaying the generousity of it's people and the beauty of their city.

The many panoramic shots of the city are captured in all it's ethereal glory, bringing out Roman Holiday to incredible new heights in the cinematic world. This film showcases what true filmmaking was all about in the fifties; well-written and so very captivating.