Roman Holiday (Special Edition) [DVD] [1953]

Fairy tales don't really happen in our world -- especially not the kind that actually involve princesses.

But you wouldn't know that from "Roman Holiday," one of Audrey Hepburn's earliest ever movie roles -- as well as her breakout one. This adorable romantic comedy balances itself nicely between a sweet little romance, a lighthearted romance and the bittersweet, overhanging specter of royal duty.

Bored young Princess Ann (Hepburn) goes on a "Roman Holiday," when she gets upset, is sedated by a doctor, and has an odd reaction to it. Soon she has wandered out of the palace and into the streets of Rome, where she is found by struggling American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). Since she appears to be drunk, he takes her home.

When Joe realizes that he has the missing princess in his apartment, he takes her on a whirlwind tour of Rome, with his pal taking photographs for a full article about her. But he doesn't count on falling in love with Ann, or having her truly fall for him. And Ann has a tough choice to make -- should she give up her royal life and stay with Joe, or fulfil her responsibilities as a princess?

"Roman Holiday" is one of those rare movies that sounds incredibly trite and Hollywoodish when you just hear what it's about, because it's been done so many times before. Surprise -- instead we get a movie that is mostly a cute, innocent little romance, but with an inevitable choice that looms over Anne throughout her fun.

But it's a fun ride while it lasts, with Anne and Joe careening through Rome on a scooter, dancing by the river, and getting her hair cut. This doesn't sound very funny, but William Wyler plays it with plenty of little jokes, including Joe's scandalized landlady raving at poor Anne in Italian, assuming that she's a one-night stand. And near the end he twists the storyline into a bittersweet examination of duty vs. love, with Anne forced to consider which way her life will go.

And there's one joke that Peck played on Hepburn in reality -- the infamous "Mouth of Truth" scene. There's a reason Hepburn shrieked so convincingly: she had really been tricked.

Hepburn and Gregory Peck are thoroughly solid as love interests -- Peck is breezy and likable as the jaded American journalist who is seizing an opportunity. And Hepburn showed off her range here -- she can be funny and quirky (including a hilarious "drunk" scene), then switch over into a doe-eyed sadness that breaks the heart.

"Roman Holiday" is a modern-day fairy tale that never sacrifices integrity for cheap gooey romance. A truly magical, bittersweet little movie.

"Roman holiday" (1953) is a charming movie that you are likely to love, specially if you are fond of romantic comedies that have an excellent director (William Wyler) and great actors (Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck).

Do you want to have at least an idea of what this film is about? Well, the main character is Ann (Audrey Hepburn), a beautiful princess that is visiting Rome for official reasons, but that wants to break free of her obligations, at least for one day. This movie tells us what happens when Ann gets to do what she wants, that is a day of almost perfect freedom in Rome. Of course, Ann is not alone: she accidentally meets an American journalist, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), a handsome rogue that becomes a possible love interest. But does Joe know who Ann really is? And what does he want from her?

All in all, I can say that I enjoyed watching the story of Princess Ann, a young woman that could be compared to a bird trying to spread her wings for the very first time. You will laugh, and maybe cry a little, but I think that "Roman holiday" is a film that you will not regret watching.

Belen Alcat

Finally! The one of most famous romantic movies is coming on DVD .I was waiting for that moment more than a three years, since the first DVD's with Audrey were released. Audrey is playing a character of Princess Anne, who is coming on the official Italy visit and during the first night, as a consequence of stereotypical, tiresome and boring life, she is decided for a one normal, exciting day among the common people, the world beyond her velvet prison-of course incognito. She is recognize by one typical, cynical American journalist - starring Gregory Peck - and...and one outstanding romance about the one exceptional Rome's day can start. The one of the most celebrated romantic movies of all times, based on the fantastic performance of young, sweet Audrey, who was awarded, just in the age of 24, by Oscar, Golden Globe and New York Movie Critics prize for this stunning performance. My personal higly recommendation.