Giulietta Masina shines in Federico Fellini’s 1957 film about a a prostitute in Rome looking for real love and being disappointed at every turn, and the film (titled Le notti di Cabiria in its native Italian) has arguably one of the best endings in movie history. It is simpler than many of Il Maestro’s other movies, but Nights of Cabiria is just as satisfying and beautiful.
Despite the main character being a prostitute, the film easily gets a PG rating and is relatively tame compared to many of Fellini's other movies. And for a main character who is a prostitute, which is a profession usually spit upon and darkened in films, Cabiria is lovely and sweet. She is a character viewers root for and like instantly.
Masina Perfect as Cabiria
Masina, Fellini’s real life wife, actually originated the role of Cabiria in the 1952 film The White Sheik. With her expressive face and amazing acting talent, she brings a naiveté and sweetness to Cabiria not usually written for prostitutes in films. But, it works, and the audience hopes for Cabiria to find love just as much as she wants to fall in love.
We learn quickly that Cabiria’s naiveté is also her biggest disadvantage. During the film she is used, left by people she loves, and incredibly hurt. Throughout all of this, however, she admirably keeps moving on.
The film once again earned Fellini an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Fellini won the previous year for La Strada, as well as in later years for 8 1/2 and Amarcord.
Best Ending in Movie History?
But what transforms Nights of Cabiria from a wonderful film into a masterpiece is the last scene of the movie, quite possibly one of the best movie endings in the history of cinema. Without spoiling it for viewers, the scene is full of hope and a unique kind of happiness, letting the audience know that Cabiria will be okay, much to viewers’ relief.
For fans of Fellini, this is a welcome ending. In other works, such as La Dolce Vita and La Strada, the final notes were melancholy and bitter, but viewers will feel that Cabiria needs a happy ending more than any of Fellini’s other creations.
Critics have also given Nights of Cabiria almost universal praise, and it is easy to see why. With one of Fellini’s most likable main characters and her hopeful spirit, Nights of Cabiria is a treat for Fellini fans and for audiences looking for an introduction into Italian cinema.
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