This film by Ettore Scola tells how four friends experienced and felt the political and economic turmoil in Italy after World War II. Friendship stories reflect the cross-section of a society, life details are rich, and the shots are smooth and vivid. After retiring, the three protagonists embarked on completely different life paths, reflecting from different aspects the class division and antagonism between the rich and the poor brought about by the rapid economic development, and at the same time reflecting the changes in morality and values caused by changes in ideological forms. They seek self-worth in different ways, but none of them can find a life purpose that fits their self-expectations. As some film critics pointed out, this film made people laugh while asking the question of "what path should the whole society take?"
One of them is a movie fan. Many of the precious fragments shown in the film pay tribute to Italian films, such as visiting the filming location of "La Dolce Vita", and there is a long discussion about " Ladri di biciclette " (The Bicycle Thief). The length of the film is two hours and a few minutes, but it spans several periods, so it does not make a complete judgment on any period or the changes of the times. The film is half black and white and half color. The background music is excellent.
