I like Black Panther, but I didn't like this movie.

It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Fellini's earliest vehicle, the White Sheik, is a screwball comedy that has aged well, due to its light touch and social critique.The story of a bride and groom who travel to Rome to meet relatives and the Pope at a mass gathering of newly-weds, the narrative depicts how they both cope when the girl absconds to meet her hero, the male model who features in an ongoing photo-serial in a pulp magazine.During the comic proceedings that follow, she discovers it may be best to live with the illusion of her icon than meet him in the flesh. Indeed, Fellini explores the question of which is better, real life or a dream, in detail as the story unfolds.The kitsch tackiness of the soap opera magazine and its decidedly uncultured models contrasts sharply with the street scenes of Rome where every fountain and statue is emphasised by the subtle, yet well-executed cinematography.The groom's obsession with family honour is also scathingly examined, including his devotion to the ultimate "father" of his religious denomination, the Pope, and his desire to meet him and appear good before him. The final scene, which lingers on the facade of the Vatican, perhaps indicates just how much facades have played a part in this comedy. When the groom meets with the Pope, perhaps he too will have his illusions shattered when he sees that the man is not really like how he is portrayed. This question is left lingering at the film's end, leaving the audience wondering how this reception will go.Nevertheless, the main strand is answered as the bride recognises that even her husband, despite all of his flaws, is the true white sheik intended for her.The acting is good for this type of film, with the two leads highly adept at comic expressions.The soundtrack likewise emphasises the lighthearted nature of proceedings and provides a tempo to match the comic proceedings.Ultimately, this film will appeal to more than just Fellini enthusiasts. It remains a classic comedy that can be enjoyed by all of the family.

The name Fellini brings to mind some of the great films of the 20th century; La Dolce Vita, La Strada, and 8 1/2 come to mind. However, every legend has a beginning, and Fellini's was here. Here, we see the neo-realist influence that affected most of his early work, and it works perfectly to capture the hustle and bustle of the city of Rome as well as tell the story of a newlywed couple on a perfect honeymoon with a not-so perfect relationship.Fellini does remarkable work in cutting back and forth between the travels of the bride as she seeks out her favorite soap opera star, The White Sheik, and that of the groom desperately trying to impress his family. It gives a sense that even if dreams seem more fun and desirable than the real world we live in, it is not always perhaps the most beneficial path. This is a theory that seemed to change with time as Fellini's films became more dream-like, but here it is apparent that realism reigns, at least for this awe-struck couple.

A classic Fellini comedy, with all the atmosphere of a carnival that fans expect. Brunella Bovo is lovely, naive, well-meaning, but lead astray by a philandering playboy. Meanwhile, her new husband seems doomed to appear utterly insane to his family who has come to Rome to meet his blushing bride--suddenly disappeared. Charming, funny, what's not to love? Oh, and Guilietta Masina arrives in her role as the kind and sensual Cabiria--icing on the cake! While certainly not the greatest Fellini film on record, it makes for pleasant viewing. Yes, the behavior of the characters is hardly exemplary, but then, would that be entertaining?

Quite an interesting comedy with ideas about fantasy versus reality, a wonderful Nino Rota score, and great work by Bovo, an actress who can capture some great expressions on her face: realistically big-eyed, naïve and innocent, as is required for her character. The film does however suffer from unevenness, trying to balance two styles of comedy - light-hearted semi fantasy and silly slapstick. By themselves either style works fine, but when joined together, it becomes a little messy. The film is not really helped by excessively silly supporting characters, and Trieste feels very over-the-top at times. Still, the aforementioned virtues, and interesting camera-work with an extensive range of different angles, are enough to keep this film afloat. Definitely recommended, even if not perfect.