How is it possible that this brilliant masterpiece only received 243 votes and I write only the second comment? Do something about that and go and see this film before you read any further! It is the most human film I've ever seen with one of the greatest performances in history of cinema. Forget about 'Todo sobre mi madre' and 'La vita e bella' as they are surpassed by 'Una Giornata Particolare' by (light)years. It never gets ambitious nor pretentious in trying to capture the 'crucial problems of the world', but instead is an extensive characterstudy that I consider 2 B 1 of the most important films ever made: not especially for its influence on cinema, but for society and for people as human beings (after all, we ARE human). Cinematographer Pasqualino De Santis (Lucky Luciano, Morte a Venezia, L'Innocente) created a sober but beautiful and effective masterpiece and proves that the best films don't have to be expensive.
Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni made a few other films together, but this has to be their best. Scola's (Brutti sporchi e cattivi, C'eravamo tanto amati) very best too of course! I am glad that I saw this film first about twelve years ago, because it is not a film I would have wanted to miss. It may not be very accessible (you have to patient), but I think I got the point the first time I saw it. The day portrayed is not special because of the parade that's going on, but because of the attention and interest two completely different people CAN have for each other IF they are open enough. See for yourself if there ultimately arises real friendship.
Recommendations are 'Il Conformista' (1970, Bertolucci) and 'Amarcord' (1974, Fellini), which also portray some human behaviour in the shadow of upcoming fascism, but in a more visual way. Further recommendations could be 'Kaos' (1984, Taviani Bros.) and 'La Terrazza' (1980, Scola).
Why o why can't we vote 11 :(
