Le Notti Bianche (1957)

Amid the icy heart of Livorno, we find Mario—an ordinary man with a longing heart—roaming the desolate streets after a day spent with his employer's family. On a bridge, under the wintry moonlight, a poetic encounter unfolds as he crosses paths with Natalia, a damsel lamenting in solitude. Intrigued by her beauty and vulnerability, Mario initiates a conversation that leads to an unexpected friendship. Despite her initial reluctance, Natalia eventually warms to Mario's company, unveiling a romantic tale of unrequited love. Living with her grandmother, Natalia's heart is captivated by an enigmatic tenant. After promising to return after a year with enough money for marriage, the stranger vanishes into the night, leaving Natalia clinging onto hope at their meeting place—the bridge. She entrusts Mario with a letter for her absent lover, a symbol of her unwavering faith. However, Mario, stung by jealousy and a newfound affection for Natalia, disposes of the letter into the canal's inky depths. Fate aligns their paths again the next night, leading to an unforgettable evening filled with dance, conversation, and shared warmth under the snowy night sky. Mario, drawn in by Natalia's charm and innocence, finds himself falling in love with her. Le Notti Bianche tells a hauntingly beautiful tale of a love triangle where past and present intertwine. Mario, the introverted newcomer, finds himself in a heart-wrenching situation. Can he rescue Natalia from the clutches of her past and the phantom of a man who may never return? Or will he succumb to the cruel game of unrequited love? This enchanting narrative explores the complexities of love, longing, and the delicate dance of human emotions.

Le Notti Bianche is a drama movie featuring Maria Schell.

Le Notti Bianche is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.