La Strada (The Road) - 6 stars out of 10

La Strada (The Road) - 6 stars out of 10

"La Strada" is a character-driven film about a foul-tempered circus performer and his assistant. The success of the entire film is contingent upon the audience falling in love with Gelsomina's quirky personality... and though I was doubtful at first, she won me over. Giulietta Masina?M)s facial expressions often reminded me of Harpo Marx, not needing extensive dialogue to portay her emotions as her expressive eyebrows told her story. Anthony Quinn is marvelous (and monstrous) as Zampano, the heartless strongman who constantly rejects Gelsomina. Punctuated by a beautiful musical theme by Nino Rota, La Strada will tug at your heart and make you thankful for acceptance in this world.