JohnHowardReid The subtle, probing camera of director Zurlini (with its admirable choice of camera angles and remarkably fluid camera movement), allied with the evocative, deceptively simple yet superbly skilled photography of Santoni, clothe this wistful and heart-tuggingly scored romantic drama with an appeal that is as immediate as the pretty pout of Claudia Cardinale's lips, and as attractive as the sun-shrouded locations of Parma and Riccione. Acting is fine throughout, and Claudia Cardinale's admirers need not be too upset by the English-dubbed version, as she doesn't speak her own lines in the Italian version either. The original running time is listed as 135 minutes, but I've never met anyone who has actually seen this version. IMDb lists 121 minutes, but the dubbed version I saw at a studio preview ran 115 minutes (which is still longer than the U.S. sub-titled version of around 110 minutes or the U.K. dubbed version of 96 minutes).

gerettas That anyone could categorize this film as a "...somewhat mediocre and meandering melodramatic film by Zurlini" is sad.I suppose, one must be sympathetic a bit to Italian culture at the time of the film to understand the simple truths of a beautiful woman who is unable due to circumstance, lack of education, and her own character, to hold onto the very few and dubious chances life presents to improve her situation.With only her beauty as both spoiler and advantage a beautiful but simple woman is on the tide of personal ruin in every choice she makes. We hope and are torn for her as we watch each scene knowing the razors edge she is living on while those around her continue to misunderstand and take advantage of her plight. This is a fantastic film (albeit 'little') that it's Nomination for the 1961 Cannes Golden Palm proves. If you can find it in Italian with sub-titles listen carefully to the actors even if you don't understand Italian. The simplicity of their performances is decades before it's time. For me it remains an unforgettable masterpiece.note: I would have rated it a "10" but some of the 'jump cuts' in the were one too many for my now '21-century' tastes.

MartinHafer "Girl With a Suitcase" begins with a young lady (Claudia Cardinale) being abandoned by a man. He claims he has an appointment and will return but doesn't. The lady is stranded and calls the man's home. They have no idea who she's calling for, as he'd given her a false name--but the phone number and address were correct. Apparently this bum had used the woman and when he finds out about this, he convinces his 16 year-old brother to tell her that they have no idea who this man is who abandoned her and that she should leave. However, something strange happens--the young man becomes infatuated with her. While he doesn't tell her the truth, he does agree to help her and they form a friendship. If I were 16 and such a woman came into my life, I could certainly understand the guy--Ms. Cardinale was radiant in the film and I am pretty sure almost all the men in the theater seeing this were also infatuated with her! Much of the film is very, very slow--and this is NOT meant as a criticism. It's just leisurely paced and lovely to watch--thanks to excellent acting and especially to the director's touch. This could have all seemed rather silly or salacious, but thanks to deft handling it's rather endearing and sweet to watch as it unfolds. Unfortunately, however, I would say that the last quarter of the film is quite different--and not quite as good. Still, overall, it's a very nice film and I can honestly say I can't think of another film like it! Some might be a bit put off by the age difference between the characters, but fortunately it did avoid being too creepy (see the film and you'll probably know what I mean).

CelluloidDog Underrated and little known to the Hollywood mainstream, this is an oft-told unrequited story of a boy falling in love with a woman. Jacques Perrin plays Lorenzo a wealthy boy of about 16 years old falling in love with a poor, nomadic not-so-successful showgirl named Aida, played by Claudia Cardinale. Lorenzo becomes Aida's patron and guardian of sorts, looking after her as Aida doesn't fully appreciate the boy's attention and kindness until the end. Instead we see her gravitate towards men who promise her a job and attention, which many men will do to a beautiful girl. But they don't give her kindness but instead break promises. Aida thinks fondly of Jacques as help but like many girls, she thinks of it as that and simply friendship to be repaid. Lorenzo is the only person who treats her with dignity. At what point does she realize he loves her if she does? (But then I can't give you spoilers). It's a old-fashion romantic story without sex and romance. Just reality.Often mentioned as CC's first vehicle, this was actually her 15th film at a young age of only 22 when it was made. Jacques went on to a fairly successful film career which included Z and Cinema Paradiso and Claudia has had one of the longest film careers of any leading lady (over 50 years of consistently making films). Most of Claudia's movies are neorealist, dramatic roles suitable for arthouses and auteurs, rather the popular box-office hits. This film is not much different from her other films in how it approaches a love story from a neorealist view.Valerio Zurlini directs with simple taste, nothing fancy and uses simple sets to tell his story. Zurlini made few films but this is his gift for us, his masterpiece. With cinematographer Tino Santoni, the two crafted a beautiful black-and-white story highlighted by the two lead actors. Three scenes represent their skills best, namely: the scene on the swing as Aida sings to Lorenzo after they separate from the party. He gently puts her hand on hers and as he does, she never notices and we don't see the hand until we see her eyes and expression. Then the camera slowly pans down to their hands as she stops singing. That scene was simply brilliantly directed and acted. The second was the long beach scene, one of the finest and most touching in (Italian) cinema history. It was long silent scene of the two on the beach at dusk. Starting not romantic but as she tends to his cuts, they stare at each other and the camera and lighting was simply beautiful for the two young faces. In today's quick catchy, witty dialogues, we forget acting is the eyes and face. That scene and the final scene (if I wrote the details, it would be a spoiler, no?) at the train station were tributes to Italian chiaroscuro and Caravaggio, the art of dark and light. Like many Italian films, this film ends with a slight melancholic feel and without Hollywood closure.Claudia Cardinale is incredibly sexy and beautiful with little make-up and simple attires. It's amazing that she rarely dresses glamorously in her movies but still manages to show her beauty. She and Jacques give great performances. Compared to Sophia Loren or Gina Lollabrigida, Cardinale is a slightly better actress but many of her best roles were never mainstream Hollywood (and she didn't have that "English" accent Loren was able to master). She acts with her eyes, facial expressions and gestures extremely well.This was named one of the Ten Best Movies of the Year by the New York Times and also made their 1000 Best Films list. Girl with a Suitcase (La ragazza con la valigia) is still occasionally shown in arthouses and museums today.Similar films are Summer of 42 which is nostalgic 7/10, and more favorably I'd compare and recommend two other foreign films, Baran (French-Iranian) and Malena (Italian). I'd give Baran a 9/10 also which has incredibly beautiful scenes in a neorealist flair. The cinematography by Mohammad Davudi in that film directed by Majid Majidi is brilliant. Like Girl With a Suitcase, the plot is simply but the film is brilliant. Malena is cute, funny and touching with beautiful Monica Bellucci but simply not as good (7.5/10).