This film is utterly absorbing from start to finish. The ending is, as numerous reviews have stated, breathtaking. No account or description can do it justice; it must be felt. Once you see it, you never forget it. Fellini is a master of composition and timing. Nights of Cabiria is about a prostitute who wanders the streets of Rome looking for love and finding only heartbreak. Masina's character, Cabiria, evolves in front of our eyes. There is one specific scene involving a hypnotist who captivates and controls not only Cabiria, but the audience as well.
I thought some of the acting by Masina was over the top, but at times I think that is precisely how her character should have been played. Either way, it irks me a little. Some scenes seemed to wander from the main theme, but individually they were great. The film challenges you to piece them together. And you will be much better off for doing so.IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050783/