The Wide Blue Road (La Grande strada azzurra) (1956)

92% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(485 ratings)

La Grande Strada Azzura was also released as Squarcio, which happens to be the name of the character played by star Yves Montand. Squarcio is a provincial fisherman who expedites his daily catch through the illegal use of dynamite. The other villagers disapprove of Squarcio's methods, but they… More La Grande Strada Azzura was also released as Squarcio, which happens to be the name of the character played by star Yves Montand. Squarcio is a provincial fisherman who expedites his daily catch through the illegal use of dynamite. The other villagers disapprove of Squarcio's methods, but they refuse to turn him into the authorities. Our hero finds out that he has no real friends when he's on the verge of being caught in the act. Promising to mend his ways, Squarcio goes back to his old tricks as soon as the heat is off. His final comeuppance both predictable and inevitable, but cleverly handled by director Gillo Ponteverco. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Directed By: Gillo Pontecorvo
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: Jun 6, 2001 Wide

Critic Reviews

Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Although irresistibly "heroic" in appearance and swagger, Montand's Squarcio is also the ultimate in un-Hollywood cowboy thoughtlessness.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
Anyone who loves De Sirca's works will find this film a fascinating comparative study
Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
Based on this film's honest, meat-and-potatoes appeal, it would be a treat to see more of Pontecorvo's rare filmography. In the meantime, careful with that dynamite.
Gloria Monti, culturevulture.net
Chronicles the struggle of an Italian fisherman, Squarciò (Yves Montand), to overcome economic hardships.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
An enjoyable melodrama.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
A truly lovely film.
Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International
Interesting more as an artifact than as an involving story, The Wide Blue Road should still satisfy adventurous art-house audiences.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Arash X

Story of a fisherman who TRIES to make a living in an EASIER way...
Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]"The Wide Blue Road" takes place in a poor fishing village in Italy. Squarcio(Yves Montand) catches fish the old fashioned way - by using explosives(which is very illegal) while in the company of his young sons. An old friend of his, now in the Coast… More
[font=Century Gothic]"The Wide Blue Road" takes place in a poor fishing village in Italy. Squarcio(Yves Montand) catches fish the old fashioned way - by using explosives(which is very illegal) while in the company of his young sons. An old friend of his, now in the Coast Guard, is determined to catch him but must do so red handed. Another old friend, Salvatore, abides by the law and fishes by net. He agitates to set up a co-op, so he and his fellow fishermen will no longer be under the thumb of the local merchant.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"The Wide Blue Road" is a good look at people whose lives depend on fishing but is done in somewhat by melodramatics. Overall, the movie says that there is no easy way to escape poverty and we must all work together. It is nowhere in the league of "La Terra Trema" which covers some of the same terrain. But Yves Montand gives a very good performance. [/font]

The Wide Blue Road (La Grande strada azzurra) (1956)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Arash X

Walter M

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