Dir: Pier Paolo Pasolini
1961
*****
Arguably one of the most impressive debuts of all time, Pier Paolo Pasolini had something to say and didn't mind taking risks saying it (he was duly arrested after filming). A tough background made him into an interesting character with interesting stories to tell, never scared to stand against political regime or religious doctrine. Here we have one of his finest films, certainly one of the finest films of the era. A blend of political and social commentary of post war capitalism and how it left many people behind. Beautifully shot in a neo-realistic, almost brutal fashion, new wave ain't got nothing on this! Why this film isn't uttered under the same breath or regarded as highly as films such as The Bicycle Thieves or Taxi Driver is beyond me, it's barely a cult classic yet other inferior imitations are embraced and celebrated. It's a masterpiece that needs some recognition and deserves to be seen by all.
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