The crow's performance is the best thing in it.

The genial, humorous and compassionate way in which these generalizations are conveyed, with the wonderful Italian clown, Toto, and Ninetto Davoli playing the father and son, is so lively and fascinating, so primitive and droll.

A whimsical fantasy about Christianity and Marxism; the question is left open as to whether Pasolini believes in either, or neither. Not that it matters much, Pasolini seems to say.

Pasolini frequently uses those who push themselves to the margins of society to expose our collective and individual weaknesses, and our determination to maintain the image of order.