The Bicycle Thief (Ladri di biciclette)

Release Year: 1948

Director: Vittorio De Sica

Review: One of the most iconic films of the Italian Neorealist movement, 'The Bicycle Thief' is a grounding examination of poverty and the lengths a person will go to provide for his family.  The film is set in a depressed Italy post World War II, where Antonio Ricci(Lamberto Maggiorani) has finally had the good fortune of landing a job posting posters.  Unfortunately that job requires a bicycle, which is very soon stolen from him.  The film follows him and his young son's desperate attempt to recover the bike so that Antonio can work and feed his family.  Director De Sica delves deep into the motifs of the neorealist movement showing the plights of the impoverished people.  It's a heartbreaking examination of a man's increasing desperation and frustration.  It's difficult to watch the devolution from optimism to desperation to near insanity, all for the basic function of surviving.  It's gut-wrenching, but powerful. A truly great piece of cinema.
Rating: 4.5/5