Risate di gioia

Likable in almost every way but it didn't wow me. I agree with Moribunny completely that it was as moving and thoughtful as it was amusing. I didn't find it all that amusing though. Still enjoyed. Would recommend if you are interested in a black and white Italian comedy from the sixties and you want to see Ben Gazzara as a quite dashing young man. And who doesn't want to see the bad guy from Road House's prequel?

I must admit, everyone involved in this is among my topmost favorites in their game. With Monicelli helming and the triumvirate of Italy's finest writers, the unmatched Anna Magnani plus Toto and Ben Gazzara, cinema can hardly get any better. Risate di Gioia is a delightfully bittersweet Commedia All'italiana, with lush and lovable characters brilliantly performed, and as moving and thoughtful as it is amusing.