<P>Intended as much for students of Italian as of Film Studies, <i>Studying Italian Cinema</i> provides an accessible introduction to one of the most influential of European film industries. Beginning with an overview of post-war Italian Neorealism, author Adalgisa Serio Henry provides in-depth coverage of such classic films as <i>Rome Open City</i> and <i>Bicycle Thieves</i> before moving on to consider Neorealism's legacy through the likes of <i>The Battle of Algiers</i> and <i>Amarcord</i>. Moving on to the contemporary Italian cinema, Henry considers depictions of the family (in such films as <i>The Ignorant Fairies</i> and <i>The Last Kiss</i>), representations of women, and, crucially, film as a social and political comment (including such recent award-winners as <i>Gomorra</i> and <i>Il Divo</i>). Along the way a number of other highly influential films are discussed, all of which ensures that <i>Studying Italian Cinema</i> offers a fresh, contemporary perspective on a vibrant national cinema.</P>