La Dolce Vita (1960) poster5

Italy10 Essential Italian FilmsStop 5 of 10

La Dolce Vita

1960 · 174 min · Comedy

Over a series of glittering, empty nights, a gossip journalist drifts through the decadent high life of Rome, chasing celebrities, women, and a meaning that keeps eluding him. Federico Fellini's iconic, sardonic portrait of modern malaise.

Why it’s here

Fellini's Rome became an enduring image of modern Italian glamour and emptiness.

Runtime
174 min
Genre
Comedy · Drama
Mood
funny · thoughtful · dark
Entry
challenging
Best for
a lighter route · film history

Content notes: war or political violence Non-exhaustive

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Part of 10 Essential Italian Films

This film is stop 5 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Italy. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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