Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Bicycle Thieves. The title explains alot. Its actually better than you could imagine. After director Vittoro De Sica did comedy films, it was a shock to see this masterpiece of desperation and depression come from him.

After reading the title of the film, It was quite nailbiting whenever the lead left his bike. I had never been so scared in my life! De Sica takes us back to post World War 2 Rome where he shows us the tragic and hard lives. The plot is so simple it can be explained from the title but nether the less it brings a sad feeling by showing how little things could ruin lives. For example a bicycle. Its a powerful film in which it could be viewed without the subtitles or sound.

The cast were amazing considering they were non actors . This was one of most strongest pieces of acting I have ever seen. The little kid was so cute and showed a lot of emotion about the hard life he had.

This film requires your focus. Its black and white its subtitled its slow but it is an amazing piece of cinema. We see the struggle of life. There is a very important message. The pace of film was slow not rushed and is well written.

This is a masterpiece. Its by far in my top ten best films of all time. I strongly recommend this.

Bicycle Thieves is a solid film which is great.

5/5

Harvey