This wonderful romantic comedy is the film that all the modern releases wish they were. Stylish depictions of Rome along with two show-stoppingly good performances, from Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, make this a real pleasure.
We have an almost zero level of direction from William Wyler, simply allowing the actors to do what they do best. The long shots really allow the performances to stretch thmesleves out on screen. Peck is incredible. Even in the smallest gestures he is utterly compelling, he is light, he is hillarious. He says the unsayable in the best possible way; by observing. Hepburn is near perfect. In what could have been played as an ingenue she instead shows a certain steeliness. Both have a wonderful sense of physicality, of timing. Their movements, just walking down the street or up a staircase, are simply wonderful to watch (and watch we can, thanks to the direction).
The pacing is spot on, keeping us involved. Their are some very funny moments (the money handover is a classic), the piece if largely a romance but this doesn't stop the plot developments being each in themselves enjoyable. The ending? Well, what can we say....
A hugely enjoyable picture, where the actors are left to get on with things, and what a great job they do.
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