Review 'ROMAN HOLIDAY': Life Doesn't Always Give Us What We Like

As a princess, Princess Anne's (Audrey Hepburn) schedule is so packed that one night she decides to escape from the palace castle to experience a 'normal' life. 

On the other hand, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) accidentally sees Anne sleeping on a bench by the roadside. Unable to resist, he gives Anne a ride without knowing that she is a princess. 

Unexpectedly, Joe Bradley is actually assigned to interview Princess Anne. He lies to his superior that he has already interviewed the princess. His lie is discovered because the press conference was canceled due to reports that the princess is ill. 

When Joe sees the princess's face in the newspaper and recalls the details of their meeting, Joe is convinced that the person he gave a ride to is Princess Anne. The royal family deliberately hides Princess Anne's escape by announcing that the princess is ill.

This film depicts the aesthetics of cinema in 1953, beautifully highlighting the dynamics of the romantic relationship between Anne and Joe. Complete with the beautiful landscapes of Rome at that time. Not to mention Princess Anne's very cute and lovable appearance. 

Through ROMAN HOLIDAY, we are presented with the sights of the City of Rome that is still quite empty. There are few people and certainly minimal motor vehicles. 

Portraying the character of Princess Anne, Audrey Hepburn's performance is so natural. She appears to be a noble figure who is both pressured and innocent in facing the outside world. It’s no wonder that the actress born on May 4, 1929, received an Oscar for Best Actress for this film.

The charisma of Gregory Peck is beyond doubt. His acting is further supported by a bass voice that elevates his handsome persona as a journalist.

William Wyler diligently and meticulously showcases the contrasting differences between the lives of the nobility and ordinary people. One of the memorable scenes is Princess Anne being so surprised and enjoying the taste of sipping champagne at a sidewalk cafe.

On the other hand, we are presented with the details of civilian life through Joe Bradley. He is portrayed as being free to do anything, able to casually eat while walking (which is highly taboo for the nobility) and even falling behind on his rent for 2 months.

Subtly, there are many details contrasting the lives of the nobility and civilians presented through the scenes and sweet dialogues between Princess Anne and Joe. It will make you smile to yourself, that's for sure.

The plot is light and very easy to enjoy. However, throughout the film, we are invited to delve into Joe's inner conflict, between making Anne the subject of his news or rather a special figure in his life. 

After being lulled by the sweet story throughout the film and then "slapped" by its ending, I believe this film deserves a rating of 8.5/10.

"Life doesn't always give us what we like," says Joe Bradley in one of his scenes. Is there anyone who can relate?