Two Women / La Ciociara (1960/61)

Cesira and her 13-year-old daughter, Rosetta, flee from the allied bombs during World War II. [imdb]

Nominated for 1 Oscar:

Best Actress: Sophia Loren (WINNER)

This is a film that works very nicely up until the last 15-20 minutes, when it loses the tension it built up to till then. That and the terrible-terrible casting of the daughter role stop this film from being great. But it's a damn good film because it relies a lot on Sophia's charisma, which is always a good idea.

It's quite obvious that she's too young for the part, but she carries the film like no other would've. She also brings humour to the story in the no-bullshit line delivery and there's a charming realism to the role, that also applies to the overall film.

My rating for the film: 8.5/10. Recommended.