Mamma Roma (1962)
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini
Drama
Post-war Italian film icon Anna Magnani stars as the tragically framed lead character, Mamma Roma, giving a characteristically gripping performance, full of emotional power yet totally believable. Thanks to her contribution, the film leaves a lasting impression on the spectator, in spite of (or perhaps because of) the simplicity of the narrative and the harsh melodramatic ending.