Poor But Beautiful (1957) User Reviews

Slight but Charming

[Lilcount · 7/10 · 20 December 2009]

This is a charming piece of fluff from an underrated master, Dino Risi.

Two Italian hunks fall for the same gorgeous chick, who is herself on the rebound from a breakup with a serious boyfriend. Knowing Dino Risi, you can guess who will get the girl.

This film was a sensation in Italy in 1957, but aside from the charms of its leading lady, it's nothing really special these days. An amusing but lightweight piece from the creator of "The Sign of Venus" and especially "Scent of a Woman."

Risi deserves to be much better known in the English-speaking world. But if you are not into Italian beefcake, prefer another film by this auteur.

Fun, fun, fun !!

[abrahax · 8/10 · 14 March 2001]

A fantastic and FUN film, about boys and girls of Rome...the main argument is LIFE; parties, a day taking a bath, 50's songs, girls, cars and the beauty of Marisa Allasio. I don't know why she didn't make more films !!

Bros before ... Ugos

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 25 July 2021]

Ugo being a character in the movie, but I reckon that still may not be enough for some to not feel offended. Let me tell you something though: if that offends you, do not even watch the movie, because it will offend you even more.

Now I would argue that you'd be missing out on a good movie overall, that yes does have stereotypes and cliches ... but it also shows more than the "boys will be boys" cliche. It is quite liberating from a womans perspective. It is just one that is liberated of course ... but still not a bad feat for the time this was made. Mindset and all that it was made in.

While the focus does shine on the two best friends butting heads and more because of this tease of a woman they both chase ... the real star is her. Of course you can also critisize her behaviour ... but she as pure as they get. Not innocent mind you, but she just does what feels to be best for her. And who are we to argue about that? Sometimes there is no lesson to be learned - no pun intended.

Annoying and pointless

[michaelnothing · 2/10 · 8 February 2019]

The cinematography is more than capable, but that's almost the only virtue of this film. The plot is nearly non-existent, and everything revolves around sexist tropes. The most disturbing of these involve the female lead seeking a relationship with a man who can treat her with respect, only to go back to a nasty and violent former boyfriend who seems to have no positive qualities. The film's 'happy' ending involves the two male leads (in their 20s) deciding to stop treating each other's 15 year old sisters as children and instead start dating them. This is probably the least likeable Italian film of this era I have ever sat through.