The Wide Blue Road

The Wide Blue Road, Italian title "La Grande Strada Azzurra", released in 1957, is a remarkable movie that weaves a marvelous story revolving around human struggles, morality, relationships, and the perils of desperation. Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo and Maleno Malenotti, the film features Yves Montand, Alida Valli, and Francisco Rabal as leading characters.

The Wide Blue Road tells the story of Squarcio, portrayed by Yves Montand, a devoted but reckless fisherman and a loving father who lives in a small fishing village on the coast of Italy. His audacious character is beautifully illustrated through his encounter with the Italian law and authorities who seek to enforce fishing regulations which hinder Squarcio's efforts to provide for his family. In doing so, the movie brings to life the individual's struggle against the collectivism of the society that tries to tame it, and the perils evoked through desperate measures.

Yves Montand convincingly portrays the role of Squarcio, a character defined by his defiance, resilience, and dedication to his family. The character weaves between making tough moral decisions to maintain his livelihood and struggling to keep his modicum of dignity intact in the face of adversity. Montand's intense performance brings an arresting dynamism to the screen, crafting an image of a man caught between his duty towards his family and his feuding relationship with society's norms.

The movie also puts a spotlight on two compellingly portrayed female characters. Renowned actress Alida Valli, best known for her roles in ‘The Third Man’, plays the dutiful and submissive wife who passionately loves her husband, even though she disagrees with his disreputable methods of capturing fish. Her character wonderfully portrays the constant state of fear and concern she grapples with due to her husband's lifestyle and activities. Meanwhile, Teresa, their older daughter, is passionately in love with a local coast guard who represents the same law Squarcio is continuously against. This antagonizing relationship presents a powerful emotional drama and deepens the overarching narrative of the clash between individualism and societal regulations.

Francisco Rabal splendidly portrays the character of the coast guard official, caught in this tug of war. He personifies the elements of law-abiding and righteous attributes of society that seek to preserve order and sustainable fishing practices. In doing so, he subsequently becomes a part of the ongoing struggle, trying to save his love interest's family from doom while being torn apart by his duty towards his job.

One of the film's remarkable features is its cinematography. It paints a vivid picture of life along the Mediterranean coastline. You can practically smell the salt in the air and feel the sandy beaches under your feet while watching the film. The spectacular and scenic shots of the small village, the wide blue road of the sea, and the haphazard journeys of different boats on the water add to the raw and poetic charm the movie carries.

The movie's themes reach beyond the personal and touch upon larger societal issues. It encapsulates the strife between small-scale traditional industries and modern regulations. It critiques the myopic vision of the authorities threatening the livelihood of local communities and explores the dire consequences of desperation and poverty.

An interesting feature of 'The Wide Blue Road' is that it was produced independently; it was shot on a shoestring budget but became an international success. Despite its modest production origins, it made a significant impact and firmly established director Gillo Pontecorvo’s place in the world of cinema.

Its soundtrack is another highlight, composed by the maestro Piero Piccioni. His score beautifully accents this human drama, adding an extra dimension of reality to the film.

In conclusion, 'The Wide Blue Road' is a poignant film that gracefully intertwines human drama and societal discourse. With its stellar cast and storytelling, the viewer becomes deeply engaged in the plight of the fishermen and can't help but sympathize with their desperation. It is not just a movie; it's a critique of society’s rules, regulations, and the people trapped in its ripples. This culturally and socially significant movie introduces us to the humanistic side of the society we often overlook, making it a must-see for anyone who appreciates cinema with depth and substance.