8½
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81% Critic Match

A picture that goes beyond what men think about - because no man ever thought about it in quite this way!

8.1 / 10 1963 2h 19mNR Italian
Drama

Storyline

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.

Cast & Crew

Marcello Mastroianni

Marcello Mastroianni

Guido Anselmi

Lead
Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale

Claudia

Anouk Aimée

Anouk Aimée

Luisa Anselmi

Sandra Milo

Sandra Milo

Carla

Rossella Falk

Rossella Falk

Rossella

Barbara Steele

Barbara Steele

Gloria Morin

Madeleine Lebeau

Madeleine Lebeau

Madeleine, the French Actress

Caterina Boratto

Caterina Boratto

Mysterious Lady

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Federico Fellini's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
4.0
Every frame feels alive. 8½ is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker