Explore Italy through Italian Cinema
Italian cinema ranks among the most respected film nations in the world. The number of great films it has produced is astounding. Something that shows the relevance of Italian cinema is that it has received the highest number of Oscars for foreign language films. Also when you look at large movie databases like IMDb, you will find that many Italian films score very high.
Here I would like to present to you the three best films of Italian Cinema. With these films you can be introduced to Italian Films. This will also be a good indication of which director you might like. I have selected three films by three different great film directors. For each film I have included an IMDb rating to give you an impression of its popularity.
1. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Filmmaker: Guiseppi Tornatore
IMDb: 8.5
According to many the best art house movies of the last decade. Truly, very enchanting and inspiring. So much so that it is not only the best Italian film, but also the best European film in our opinion. It’s about a filmmaker looking back on his childhood, which he spent in a local cinema. It was there that his love of film blossomed. The film has received the Oscar for best foreign language film in 1990.
2. Eight and a Half (1963)
Filmmaker: Federico Fellini
IMDb: 8.2.
An extraordinary film by legendary Italian director Federico Fellini. Everyone who knows a little about European Cinema knows this person. Probably one of the most popular names for people. And for a reason. Eight and a half is considered his most famous work. It won two Oscars. It’s about an Italian director who digs into his memories and fantasies.
3. Life is Beautiful – La Vita e Bella (1997)
Filmmaker: Roberto Benigni.
IMDb: 8.5.
One of the most touching films of the last 20 years. A film all schools should show their students. Not only teaching them about the horrors of the second world war, but also telling them what true courage is. This film is about a young father who lets his son believe that the German concentration camp they are living in is a part of the game. It received 3 Oscars. One goes to Benigni for best Actor. He also directed the film.