Many consider this movie to mark the beginning and represent the high point of Audrey Hepburn's film career. What makes it special? Not much, really. The narrative is quite straightforward: it centers on a young princess’s near-teenage desire to escape, who, weary of the obligations and public attention that come with being royalty, decides to have some fun and experience her youth for a little while. She unintentionally winds up at the house of an American journalist assigned to interview her, a man looking to exploit the situation. Naturally, anyone anticipating a captivating romance between the princess and a commoner will find something to enjoy, although to a degree. It’s predictable, certainly a cliché, but it was with stories like this that cinema helped create the allure surrounding royal families, benefiting in the process. If the plot isn't remarkably inventive and is notable for its simplicity and rather obvious resolutions, what remains? Settings? Costumes? Special effects? Music? Photography? To some extent, yes. The sets are exceptionally well-designed, and the film—actually shot on location in Rome—is among the earliest and finest cinematic representations of that city. I still know people who have visited Rome and gone to the same places as the characters in the movie, like the Trevi Fountain or the Mouth of Truth, tourist attractions this film significantly boosted in popularity. Without elaborate special effects, it features a pleasing and atmospheric soundscape and musical score, and the black-and-white cinematography is quite good. The scenes where the two main characters ride a Vespa through the city’s central streets are especially memorable. It's also true that the movie was skillfully edited, with the story progressing at an easygoing and agreeable rhythm. But what would this film be without Audrey Hepburn? I can’t picture another actress playing the part. She possessed the inherent grace and dignified composure expected of royalty, bringing a sense of genuineness, believability, and warmth to her character. It's hard to watch the movie without feeling some fondness for her character, who simply wants a few hours away from the institutional routines and duties she was raised with. Gregory Peck seemed like an obvious choice as the journalist who assists her and fosters a certain romantic connection.

Source on TMDB