Bicycle Thieves
A classic of Italian neo-realism, Vittorio De Sica directs this harrowing portrait of loss and deprivation in post-war Rome, reflecting a stark era when owning a bicycle can mean the difference between providing for a family or forever going hungry.
De Sica combined with long-time collaborator, writer Cesare Zavattini (Miracle in Milan, Umberto D), to produce a potent mix of real life detail, detective story and poetic melodrama as dedicated father Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani) and his devoted son Bruno (Enzo Staiola) roam the streets of the capital in search of a stolen bicycle which signifies hope, optimism and will surely deliver them from the abject poverty they currently face.
Vividly shot on location in the streets of Rome using non-professional actors, the film was awarded an honorary Oscar® for Best Foreign Film in 1950.
“A devastating expose of post-war hardship and Lear-tragedy. Its realism makes it hard to believe it was acted and the hopelessness of man’s inhumanity to man is crushing. De Sica’s direction is magnificent.” ~Rakau, AroVideo User review
