Anna Magnani is magnificent as a common Roman mother, whose husband is in prison for subversive activities and is in a bad shape, actually dying throughout the film, while Anna Magnani hopelessly tries to save him and even secures the possibility of a papal pardon for him, which he refuses, preferring to die in prison. Part of her woes is their young son Mario about 10, for whom she will do anything to provide him with some education, even trusting him with the care of the church authorities. He is actually the central part of the film and the chief attraction, as his play-acting will keep you fettered. Marcello Mastroianni as the husband in prison makes an over-convincing performance as usual, whiled this sad story of a becoming widow and her susceptible son gradually is absorbed by the great political drama of the unification of Italy in 1870, the final act of which was the incorporation of the Papal States, that is the Vatican, which stubbornly resisted the reform. The film is interesting and captivating, especially if you know anything about Italian history, and although you don't see Garibaldi, the Pope, Verdi or the other main protagonists of the political drama, they are constantly spoken about. This was Anna Magnani's last performance on the screen and one of her very best.
