Tags
1960's, Drama, Eleonora Brown, Foreign Language Film, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Sophia Loren, Two Women, Vittorio De Sica, World War II
Film Title
Two Women
Director
Vittorio De Sica
Starring
- Sophia Loren as Cesira
- Eleonora Brown as Rosetta
- Jean-Paul Belmondo as Michele
A harrowing account of a mother trying to protect her daughter in the dark days of World War II, Two Women is strikingly told and excellently acted. Occasionally it gets a bit meandering, but the grim power and authentically moving performance from Sophia Loren make Two Women a must see.
It is the Second World War and in Rome, widowed shopkeeper Cesira is struggling to cope with the constant uncertainty and bombings that terrify everyone. Her main priority is keeping her 12-year-old daughter Rosetta safe, no matter what. Having saved up some money and collected what she needs, she heads with Rosetta to the hills of her childhood, looking for sanctuary. The journey to the hills is fraught with difficulties and horror, but the two persevering women carry on. Once in the poor but a lot more sheltered regional village of her past, Cesira attempts to carve a life for her and Rosetta until the war calms down and they can return to Rome. Along the way, Cesira becomes attracted to young idealist Michele, who also harbours romance for her. Though she develops feelings for him over time, her primary concern is Rosetta and Cesira knows that her impressionable daughter has a crush on him. Times are tough due to shortage of supplies and amenities, though resourceful Cesira tries to make the best of things by foraging food and just protecting her daughter from the horrors of war as long as she possibly can. Yet just as it seems safe for Cesira and Rosetta to return to Rome with the war seemingly hitting a turning point, they encounter brutal tragedy at the hands of Moroccan soldiers.
Vittorio De Sica wisely brings his credentials as a purveyor of neo-realism out here, highlighting the stark and unforgiving fallout war can cause and especially on those left behind. None of the film is varnished or dressed up to look smooth, it is depicted with astonishing naturalness and harsh reality thanks to De Sica’s expertise. It deftly captures the way that a war can impact on people and their lives, one minute it seems calm, the next minutes it is a mass upheaval. There are those out there that will dismiss the film as overly episodic, but by and large, it’s an honest picture of the sea saw of terror and not knowing when . Two Women is not without nicer moments of people attempting to raise their spirits, but these are coupled with scenes of shock and grit that never lets us forget that this is only a temporary respite from a difficult time. Some parts do feel a bit rushed and there are parts that linger too long for their own good, yet the bigger picture and power of the piece always manages to bring it all back to something exceptionally genuine. The last half especially will emotionally devastate and shock viewers with its intensity and raw, visceral content that leaves a mark. The black and white cinematography highlights the bleakness of war and what it does to people, both emotionally and physically. If Two Women had been in colour, a lot of the impact would have dissipated. Music is employed sparingly but appropriately, allowing the main story and themes of survival to flourish but also give an emotional pull when required.
Sophia Loren is simply put powerful and forceful in the lead role; it’s no surprise she won the Academy Award for her raw and heart-rending work here. The role of Cesira is embodied so naturally and with grave, hard-working determination by Loren that you can’t tear yourself away from the screen. She excels at colouring the role with the deep maternal instinct and love, without resorting to melodrama and needless overdramatising. Sure Cesira says what she thinks and can be very feisty, but in the hands of Loren, we glimpse the little nuances of the character that complete the whole. We get many sides to the woman; the caring side, desolation and vulnerability, along with an outspoken attitude and unwavering strength that all make it a triumph of intensity and authenticity. From the first moment you see Loren cradling her daughter from harm and screaming that she wishes the war would end, you just know that the performance is going to be something special. Before this film, Sophia Loren had largely been cast in parts that were merely glamorous and weren’t ones that showcased the talent she had. She really showed off her abilities with this award collecting part, that will haunt the mind for days to come and established herself as an actress to be reckoned with. Eleonora Brown forges a realistic and convincing bond with Loren as the young innocent daughter, whose experiences leave her shell-shocked and she has to grow up quicker than expected. This tender relationship is the heart of the movie and is played magnificently. Jean-Paul Belmondo has probably the least demanding role of the central three, but nonetheless conveys the free thinking and opinionated feelings of the young idealist.
Anchored by the superb work of Sophia Loren showing her mettle and the honest direction of Vittorio De Sica , Two Women is a dark and stark evocation of the horrors endured in World War II and the power of a mother’s love.
beetleypete said:
I saw this in the late 1960s at the National Film Theatre, in London. It was considered to be an important film at the time, and I recall Loren looking wrecked emotionally.
I have never seen it since, but your review certainly does it justice,
Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Loren was something else in this film. She invested so much in the part, it was heartbreaking.
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gunnardeckare said:
I love Italian movies but I missed this one
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vinnieh said:
This was a very realistic and moving movie. I highly recommend it for Sophia Loren’s performance.
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J. said:
Not familiar with this one at all. Will need to have a look for it.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a heart rending story amd powerfully acted, especially by Sophia Loren.
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Dude the cleaner said:
Here is an other award for you https://diversfilms.wordpress.com/2017/03/13/my-first-sunshine-blogger-award-2017/ Have fun.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks dude. I really don’t know what to do with all these awards.
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Dude the cleaner said:
You’re welcome. I know right!!!
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vinnieh said:
They are so versatile and always convince. Even if they are in a bad film, they are the positive.
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vinnieh said:
Sorry I sent the wrong comment there. That was supposed to be on your awards post regarding Streep and Cotillard. Sorry for the mix up.
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Emilio Pasquale said:
I saw this when I was just a kid and did not appreciate it at all. Time to see it again based on your review. Thanks.
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vinnieh said:
I think being grown up will improve the viewing of it because of the starkness of it all.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I haven’t heard of this but your review has me intrigued Vinnie. I’ll have to check it out.💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
It’s a dark and bleak depiction of life in war torn Italy, but it resonates with emotional impact. Sophia Loren is so powerful and forceful here, really taking the role of protective mother and exposing every emotion that it brings. I read that she based a lot of her work on witnessing her own mother’s struggles in wartime. It’s an amazing and rounded portrayal of devoted motherhood.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Well now you’ve got me totally convinced!
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vinnieh said:
That’s what I like to hear Kim.
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alexraphael said:
I’m nodding to that completely 🙂
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vinnieh said:
These comments are what makes blogging so great. They make me feel fantastic.
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alexraphael said:
And they won’t stop 🙂 I saw Hidden Figures last night. I just had to quote it. If you haven’t seen it, go and see it. Just wonderful. One of the things I love most about movies. Telling stories you wouldn’t otherwise hear of.
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vinnieh said:
I’ve been angling to see that movie.
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houstonphotojourney said:
ok, added to my list! One day I’ll watch an entire movie!!!
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vinnieh said:
It’s a very powerful movie.
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ninvoid99 said:
I have seen this film. It is definitely one of de Sica’s finest films but also a crowning achievement for Sophia Loren who is one of the finest actresses ever.
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vinnieh said:
De Sica brought a realistic approach to the material that displayed how damaging the effects of war. And Sophia Loren was phenomenal in a role that showed her depth of talent. She moved me to tears with her work here.
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keepsmealive said:
Full agreement from me on all points. Great one.
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vinnieh said:
It’s depiction of war was so grimly powerful and intense I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it. And Sophia Loren deserved her Oscar for her commanding and raw performance.
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nildamacedopaulino said:
Nice BLOG!!! ADD my BLOG too!!! Kisses!!!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, I just followed your blog.
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Meg Sorick said:
Sounds like a powerful film, Vin. Sophia Loren in a serious and non-glamorous role. I will have to checkout out and thanks for pointing me to this post!
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vinnieh said:
It really makes for harrowing and stark viewing. Sophia Loren convinces so much as the protective mother, whose willing to do just about anything to ensure the safety of her daughter.
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Meg Sorick said:
I’ll add it to my watch list. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
If you like films about wartime that are realistic, this is certainly one of them.
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vinnieh said:
And at the other end of the spectrum, a certain review of mine from the past has proven popular lately. Probably because I ripped into it. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/body-of-evidence/
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John Charet said:
Great post 🙂 I am a huge fan of Italian cinema, but then again, I am a huge fan of all cinema. Have you ever seen any films by director Michelangelo Antonioni. He directed this poetic 1960 Italian drama titled L’Avventura. Check it out, it is a fantastic film. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I love what I have seen of Italian cinema, it’s very poetic and deep.
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mikestakeonthemovies said:
Very well done. The one thing that always stands out for me is the fact that in 1960 most all of the famous or “glamourous” actresses other than Davis would not likely play a role like this with a daughter no less. Sophia could easily have said no, I’m far to young and beautiful to play this. It will harm my public image. Another reason why she’s more than just a pretty face.
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vinnieh said:
I was impressed by the fact that she took this role, despite being young herself. Reading her autobiography, she mentions that she based parts of the character on what she witnessed her mother do during the war. The amount of natural emotion that comes from her is heart wrenching.
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mikestakeonthemovies said:
A Good read and kudos to her on this one.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for checking this post out.
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