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Alfie is a British romantic-comedy-drama film released in 1966. The film stars Michael Caine as Alfie, a charming and self-centered British playboy who spends his time seducing and manipulating women. The movie is a reflection of the swinging sixties and the sexual revolution that was happening at the time. Alfie was directed by Lewis Gilbert and it was based on a play written by Bill Naughton.

The story of Alfie revolves around the life of Alfie Elkins, an unrepentant womanizer with a cocky attitude towards life. The movie begins with Alfie delivering a monologue to the camera about his philosophy on sex and relationships while breaking the fourth wall. Throughout the film, Alfie narrates to the audience, providing a commentary on his actions and relationships, explaining his motivations, and providing insights into his character.

Alfie’s womanizing ways are threatened when he meets Gilda (Millicent Martin), a beautiful and strong willed woman who is not easily swayed by his charm. Alfie is smitten by Gilda but is unwilling to change his behavior, which puts his relationship with her in jeopardy. The film also explores how Alfie’s behavior affects other women in his life, including his estranged wife, Ruby (Shelley Winters), and his friend’s wife, Siddie (Vivien Merchant).

The film is set in London, and it’s a reflection of the social and sexual changes that were taking place in British society during the sixties. Alfie is portrayed as a product of a society that values independence, materialism, and promiscuity. Through his relationships, Alfie learns about the devastating consequences of his actions on the women he seduces, as well as himself.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is how it handles the issue of abortion, which was illegal in Britain at the time the movie was made. The film shows Alfie’s lover, Gilda, getting pregnant and opting for a backstreet abortion, which results in her hospitalization. The movie uses this incident to explore the danger of illegal abortion procedures and the effect it has on women’s health.

The movie’s soundtrack is also worth mentioning as it features the iconic song “Alfie” written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, performed by Cilla Black. The song conveys the movie’s message about the search for deeper meaning in life, beyond the superficiality of casual relationships.

Alfie was a critical and commercial success, and it propelled Michael Caine to international stardom. The movie was nominated for multiple awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

In conclusion, Alfie is a thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of relationships and the impact of promiscuity and selfishness on people's lives. The movie is a reflection of the social and cultural changes that were taking place during the sixties, and it remains relevant today. With its witty dialogue, engaging performances, and memorable soundtrack, Alfie is a film that will linger in the memory of viewers long after the credits roll.

Alfie is a 1966 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 70.