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8 1/2

Play trailer Poster for 8 1/2 1963 2h 15m Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 62 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Troubled Italian filmmaker Guido Anselmi (Marcello Mastroianni) struggles with creative stasis as he attempts to get a new movie off the ground. Overwhelmed by his work and personal life, the director retreats into his thoughts, which often focus on his loves, both past and present, and frequently wander into fantastical territory. As he tries to sort out his many entanglements, romantic and otherwise, Anselmi finds his production becoming more and more autobiographical.
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8 1/2

8 1/2

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Critics Consensus

Inventive, thought-provoking, and funny, 8 1/2 represents the arguable peak of Federico Fellini's many towering feats of cinema.

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Critics Reviews

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Eric Rhode Sight & Sound Feb 11, 2020
Though he can't face up to the total case, we must be grateful to Fellini for having presented so much of it, and with such flair and exuberance. Go to Full Review James Powers The Hollywood Reporter Jun 26, 2018
Fellini keeps a grasp on his difficult form, creating some penetrating, witty, tragic moments. Go to Full Review Ian Mantgani Little White Lies May 1, 2015
5/5
A carnival of the soul. Go to Full Review Patrick McDonald HollywoodChicago.com Jul 4, 2025
5/5
What can I say that hasn't been said for the 62 year life span of this masterpiece, except that it flavors my cinema soul. On this third viewing, with a long time in between the last one, it also reflected on the point of life I"m at now. I AM FELLINI! Go to Full Review Scott Nye Battleship Pretension Jan 27, 2025
The conflict between Guido’s discomfort for the nature of his fame and the driving force that led him there drives every interaction in the film. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jan 5, 2025
4/4
An ambitious, ambiguous, and experimental form of navel-gazing. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Leprechaun K @LeprechaunKing Sep 5, 2026 Can't really say this is a bad movie. The surrealistic approach to storytelling is interesting but it is too theatrical and flamboyant. It is too melodramatic with forced humor through exaggerated performances. Movie is too long, too boring, and very corny. See more bruce F @bruce999 Aug 14, 2026 over -rated, but it is interesting to watch. a director at work, and all his distractions. it's well acted though. i'd look for something more interesting. See more Renaldo D @RT30888824 Jul 27, 2026 The film's cinematic techniques are fantastic. See more Luca D. @JoeCamel7 Mar 31, 2026 This film is a very introspective view into Fellini's brain and a very well executed representation of fantasies and nightmares, and the worries regarding creative stalling and relationship issues. Guido is trying to escape the fact that he can't answer anyone's questions regarding love or his creative thinking process, but to no avail. His film crew and producers are looking for answers, his wife and mistresses are also looking for answers, and he's just looking for a way out and some clarity. The movie is loosely about Fellini himself, taking a step back and admitting that he didn't respect himself at a time. By the end of the film he comes to the realization that he needs to analyze his past and make a better future for himself. No more whores and blockbuster films, he's ready for real art and to be faithful to his wife. This film is deeply relatable and I will be thinking on it for a long time. Though fast paced and sometimes hard to understand, this is truly something worth seeing See more Patrick S @PatrickStruik Jan 6, 2026 A Fellini masterpiece. See more Benyam E @bephrem Sep 20, 2025 Good movie. Not that entertaining, but profound and well-constructed. Masterclass in blocking for young directors. Edit: it grows on you. very well-stated internal dilemmas of a director. See more Read all reviews
8 1/2

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Federico Fellini

Director

Marcello Mastroianni

Guido Anselmi

Claudia Cardinale

Claudia

Anouk Aimée

Luisa Anselmi (as Anouk Aimee)

Sandra Milo

Carla

Madeleine Lebeau

French Actress

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8 1/2

8 1/2 (1963) 8 1/2 (1963) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Troubled Italian filmmaker Guido Anselmi (Marcello Mastroianni) struggles with creative stasis as he attempts to get a new movie off the ground. Overwhelmed by his work and personal life, the director retreats into his thoughts, which often focus on his loves, both past and present, and frequently wander into fantastical territory. As he tries to sort out his many entanglements, romantic and otherwise, Anselmi finds his production becoming more and more autobiographical.
Director
Federico Fellini
Producer
Angelo Rizzoli
Distributor
Embassy Pictures, Kino Pictures
Production Co
Cineriz, Francinex
Genre
Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 25, 1963, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 27, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$139.2K
Runtime
2h 15m
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