8½
A picture that goes beyond what men think about - because no man ever thought about it in quite this way!
1963 • 139 min • Drama
Synopsis
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.
Our family guide
Best from age 16- 67 Reviewers · 3 · 53%
- 81 Audience · 2556 · 47%
Guido, a successful film director, faces a creative block and personal turmoil at a luxurious resort. Surrounded by his demanding crew, cast, wife, and mistress, he retreats into his memories and fantasies. He struggles to find inspiration and meaning amidst the chaos of his life and career.
- Violence & peril
- 1/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 3/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 5/10
- Scary moments
- 1/10
Heads up
- Infidelity is a major theme
- Some emotional distress and angst
- Smoking and drinking are present
What it models well
- Self-discovery and introspection
- The creative process
Talk about it after
- The challenges of artistic creation
- The complexities of relationships
- Balancing reality and fantasy
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for 8½. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
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Top billed cast
Director: Federico Fellini • Crew: Federico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, Brunello Rondi, Federico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano
Trailers & clips
35mm Trailer [Subtitled]
Mark Kermode reviews 8½ (1963) | BFI Player
Marcello Mastroianni’s guide to being cool | BFI
Federico Fellini - 8 1/2 (New Trailer) - In UK cinemas 1 May 2015 | BFI Release
8 and a Half Trailer HD
8 1/2 and Cleopatra Win Costume Design: 1964 Oscars
Federico Fellini accepting Best Foreign Language Film for "8 1/2": 1964 Oscars
Allan Arkush on 8 1/2
Reviewer notes
RecommendedAcclaimed director "Guido" (Marcello Mastroianni) is looking for a peaceable life after his last successful movie, but at every turn he is being pursued by people who want to capitalise on the success. He just hasn't the inspiration though - and determined not to just churn out any old rubbish, retreats to a small town for some rest, recuperation and hopefully inspiration.…
Not recommendedTrusted family reviewers**Fellini, deconstructed, improvised and enshrined in a film that (not) pleases everyone.** I'm not a fan or deep connoisseur of Italian cinema, but I've heard of Federico Fellini, and I know that this film is considered one of this director's best films. I haven't seen any of his films yet: this was the first. And honestly, I don't quite understand this fascination: the film is chaotic!…
RecommendedWidely touted as one of the all-time great works of cinema, Federico Fellini’s 8½ is an elusive film about even more elusive things. It’s a meaningfully chaotic picture about trying to distil meaning from chaos and it’s a creative success about creative failure. It chronicles the resonant moments in one man’s life and admits that it can’t quite clarify why they matter.…
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 8.1/10 (2,556)
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- IMDb
- tt0056801
- Official site
- www.janusfilms.com