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Poster for 8½

8½

Seen it?

1963 | 139 min | Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences adore it (8.1 out of 10), it won 2 Oscars and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 19 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1963: an older pace and style.

Guido Anselmi, a film director, finds himself creatively barren at the peak of his career. Urged by his doctors to rest, Anselmi heads for a luxurious resort, but a sorry group gathers—his producer, staff, actors, wife, mistress, and relatives—each one begging him to get on with the show. In retreat from their dependency, he fantasizes about past women and dreams of his childhood.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 93 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesVery strong

    8.1 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 2 Oscars: Academy Award: Best Costume Design – Black-and-White, Academy Award: Best Foreign Language Film. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars, 1 BAFTA and 1 DGA Award. Plus 9 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 311K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Federico Fellini

  • Marcello MastroianniGuido Anselmi
  • Claudia CardinaleClaudia
  • Anouk AiméeLuisa Anselmi
  • Sandra MiloCarla
  • Rossella FalkRossella
  • Barbara SteeleGloria Morin
  • Madeleine LebeauMadeleine, the French Actress
  • Caterina BorattoMysterious Lady
  • Eddra GaleLa Saraghina
  • Guido AlbertiPace, the Producer