The film opens with roughly fifteen minutes devoted to a documentary-like segment depicting Adolf Hitler’s journey by train from Germany to Rome in 1938, where he would meet King Vittorio Emanuele III and Benito Mussolini to formalize an alliance. Historical film clips are accompanied by commentary reminiscent of the propaganda used during that era, promoting the strength of the Italian Empire and its seemingly unbeatable partners. A large-scale celebration is planned in Rome, one that Antonietta’s (Sophia Loren) family will be attending. Her husband, Emanuele (John Vernon), brings their six children to the festivities while she stays home doing housework. It's during his absence that she meets her neighbor, Gabriele (Marcello Mastroianni), who used to work as an announcer for state radio but no longer does. Over a few intense hours—and with the involvement of a mischievous mynah bird—we get to know these characters better and learn why he’s out of a job and missing the parade, and why she's unhappy with her domestic existence. The power of this hour or so spent with the couple lies in how it questions common assumptions about acceptable conduct during the 1930s, not solely within Italy. The writing is touching, shifting between quiet moments and bursts of intense emotion, and Loren gives a strong performance, portraying Antonietta’s frustration throughout their apartment. While the ending feels predictable—in almost every way—the soundtrack consistently reminds us of what's happening with everyone else, which makes this personal story of two imperfect individuals all the more worthwhile.

Source on TMDB