The post-World War II era was one of the greatest struggles for Europeans in the 1940s. Not everyone was fortunate to have food on their tables, nice houses in which to live, and jobs to make money. The Bicycle Thief, directed by Vittorio De Sica, is an Italian film about a father and a son who struggles to find their stolen bicycle that is necessary for the family's economic stability.
Lamberto Maggiorani plays the father, Antonio Ricci, and Enzo Staiola plays the son, Bruno Ricci. Antonio and Bruno go on a journey to find the stolen bicycle and the thief. However, when they finally find the thief, they can't find any evidence to prove that the thief stole the bicycle. Out of desperation, Antonio ends up stealing another person's bicycle and is almost arrested; however, the victim chooses not to place charges because he sees that Bruno, Antonio's son, is broken-hearted after seeing his father steal the bicycle. In the end, Antonio and Bruno end up going home without the bicycle.
This film visually depicts the hardships that Italians from the post-World War II era went through. It shows the great desperation for money and survival during the time through the characters' varying emotional states and the gritty landscape. At first, the movie seems happy and uplifting because of the fact that the father is able to get a job. However, it turns into an adventurous, yet saddening journey that shows the immense desperation of a father to provide for his family. It also shows the heart of a loving son who tries to help his father in every possible way, but the cruel overwhelms his tiny gestures of aid.
In this film, there are some scenes that captured my attention, such as the scene when Bruno is crying and tugging on his father's coat because his father is being harassed by the police. It creates a whole new level of understanding for the victim to see past the mistake and to show sympathy for Antonio. Also, the scene when Antonio and Bruno eats at a fancy restaurant next to a rich family; this shows the great gap between the rich and the poor people after the world war. This film makes me realize how important it is to appreciate the little things that we have in life because not everyone is fortunate enough to have what we have.
In my opinion, the setting really provides a feel of poverty and struggle. Also, the actors' performances are simultaneously realistic and endearing.
Overall, this film is something that will change your perspective in life and how you live it. If you want to watch a film that will show appreciation for your family and friends, then this is a must in your movie list.
Gwen Adao
Lamberto Maggiorani plays the father, Antonio Ricci, and Enzo Staiola plays the son, Bruno Ricci. Antonio and Bruno go on a journey to find the stolen bicycle and the thief. However, when they finally find the thief, they can't find any evidence to prove that the thief stole the bicycle. Out of desperation, Antonio ends up stealing another person's bicycle and is almost arrested; however, the victim chooses not to place charges because he sees that Bruno, Antonio's son, is broken-hearted after seeing his father steal the bicycle. In the end, Antonio and Bruno end up going home without the bicycle.
This film visually depicts the hardships that Italians from the post-World War II era went through. It shows the great desperation for money and survival during the time through the characters' varying emotional states and the gritty landscape. At first, the movie seems happy and uplifting because of the fact that the father is able to get a job. However, it turns into an adventurous, yet saddening journey that shows the immense desperation of a father to provide for his family. It also shows the heart of a loving son who tries to help his father in every possible way, but the cruel overwhelms his tiny gestures of aid.
In this film, there are some scenes that captured my attention, such as the scene when Bruno is crying and tugging on his father's coat because his father is being harassed by the police. It creates a whole new level of understanding for the victim to see past the mistake and to show sympathy for Antonio. Also, the scene when Antonio and Bruno eats at a fancy restaurant next to a rich family; this shows the great gap between the rich and the poor people after the world war. This film makes me realize how important it is to appreciate the little things that we have in life because not everyone is fortunate enough to have what we have.
In my opinion, the setting really provides a feel of poverty and struggle. Also, the actors' performances are simultaneously realistic and endearing.
Overall, this film is something that will change your perspective in life and how you live it. If you want to watch a film that will show appreciation for your family and friends, then this is a must in your movie list.
Gwen Adao
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