Bicycle Thieves (Italian: "Ladri di biciclette") is a 1948 Italian neorealist drama film directed by Vittorio De Sica. The film follows the story of a poor father searching in post-World War II Rome for his stolen bicycle, without which he will lose the job that was to be the salvation of his young family.
The film is considered one of the greatest movies ever made and is a defining work of the Italian neorealist movement.
Bicycle Thieves is a classic film that tells a poignant story of a man's struggle to provide for his family in post-war Italy. Its impact on cinema has been significant, and it remains a must-see for film lovers today.
Plot
The film follows the story of a poor father named Antonio Ricci, who lives in post-World War II Rome with his wife and young son, Bruno. Antonio finally gets a job hanging up posters, but he needs a bicycle for the job.
Unfortunately, his bicycle is stolen on his first day of work, and without it, he will lose the job that was to be the salvation of his young family. Antonio and Bruno set out to search for the bicycle, but their efforts are in vain.
Antonio then decides to steal a bicycle himself, but he is caught by a crowd of angry men who humiliate him in front of his son. Ironically, the owner of the bicycle declines to press charges, and Antonio is left to face the harsh reality of his situation.
The film is a poignant portrayal of the struggles of a working-class family in post-war Italy and is considered a defining work of the Italian neorealist movement.
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Cast
The cast of "Bicycle Thieves" includes both professional and non-professional actors. Here is a list of the main cast members:
- Lamberto Maggiorani as Antonio Ricci
- Enzo Staiola as Bruno Ricci
- Lianella Carell as Maria Ricci
- Elena Altieri as The Lady
- Gino Saltamerenda as Baiocco
- Vittorio Antonucci as The Thief
Lamberto Maggiorani, who played the lead role of Antonio Ricci, was a non-professional actor and a factory worker before being cast in the film. Enzo Staiola, who played Antonio's son Bruno, was also a non-professional actor and was only eight years old at the time of filming. Lianella Carell, who played Antonio's wife Maria, was a professional actress. The use of non-professional actors was a hallmark of the Italian neorealist movement, which sought to portray the lives of ordinary people in a realistic and authentic way.
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Writer: Luigi Bartolini, Cesar Zavattini, Suso Cecchi d'Amico
Box Office Gross: $447,459
Distributor: Arthur Mayer & Joseph Burstyn Inc.
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 1948
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 29, 2016