Bicycle Thieves (1948)
A man and his son search for a stolen bicycle vital for his job.
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Stars : Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola,
Lianella Carell |
Bicycle Thieves (1948)
Storyline
Ricci, an unemployed man in the depressed post-WWII economy of Italy,
gets at last a good job - for which he needs a bike - hanging up
posters. But soon his bicycle is stolen. He and his son walk the streets
of Rome, looking for the bicycle. Ricci finally manages to locate the
thief but with no proof, he has to abandon his cause. But he and his son
know perfectly well that without a bike, Ricci won't be able to keep
his job.
Bicycle Thieves (1948) Reviews
A Heartbreaking Masterpiece of the Italian Neo-Realism
In the post-war Rome,
after more than two-year unemployment, the family man Antonio Ricci
(Lamberto Maggiorani) finally finds a disputed job position putting up
posters that requires having a bicycle. However, he needs to retrieve
his bicycle in the pawn shop but he does not have money. His wife Maria
(Lianella Carell) pawns their bed sheets and uses the money to recover
the precious bicycle. Antonio envisions a better life for his family
with his salary, overtime and benefits. Unfortunately, his bicycle is
stolen on the first working day. Antonio and his son Bruno (Enzo
Staiola) spend the Sunday chasing the bicycle and the thief on the
streets of Rome.
"Ladri di Biciclette" is a heartbreaking masterpiece of the Italian Neo- Realism and one of the best movies of cinema history ever. This is the third time that I watch this unforgettable film that makes me sad with the desperation of Antonio and his lack of perspective in the end. There are memorable touching scenes, like Bruno eating pizza in the restaurant wearing a torn coat and contrasting with the wealthy family; or the happiness of the clumsy Antonio putting up the poster of Rita Hayworth in "Gilda"; or the indecision of Bruno between a dish of soup in the church or chasing the old man with his father; or the shame of Antonio in the end. The DVD released in Brazil by Spectra Nova has good quality of image, subtitles in yellow but no Extras. The DVD released by Versátil uses the same matrix of Spectra Nova but with subtitles in white, and it is difficult the reading by the viewer. However, there are many Extras. My vote is ten.
"Ladri di Biciclette" is a heartbreaking masterpiece of the Italian Neo- Realism and one of the best movies of cinema history ever. This is the third time that I watch this unforgettable film that makes me sad with the desperation of Antonio and his lack of perspective in the end. There are memorable touching scenes, like Bruno eating pizza in the restaurant wearing a torn coat and contrasting with the wealthy family; or the happiness of the clumsy Antonio putting up the poster of Rita Hayworth in "Gilda"; or the indecision of Bruno between a dish of soup in the church or chasing the old man with his father; or the shame of Antonio in the end. The DVD released in Brazil by Spectra Nova has good quality of image, subtitles in yellow but no Extras. The DVD released by Versátil uses the same matrix of Spectra Nova but with subtitles in white, and it is difficult the reading by the viewer. However, there are many Extras. My vote is ten.
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One of the few films that brings tears to my eyes.
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