A student of cinema has his own bucket list, apparently, and this one figures on most. I can see why after seeing the film...whew, made it, finally. It is a stark, simple tale of unemployment, and the struggle to survive in Rome circa 1948. Post World War 2.
The unemployed young man gets an offer to work (and eat) but he needs a bicycle to get the job-that of putting up posters around the city. With great difficulty, he manages a bicycle, but it gets stolen while he is at his job, right under his nose. His travails with the cops, helpful friends helping to trace the bike, and the impact on his life due to this incident alternately getting him down and upbeat, form the rest of the narration.
Vittorio De Sica keeps it simple, focused, and from the gut. Riveting fare, showing anyone who cares to learn, that you don't need item numbers or gross dialogue to keep the viewer's attention. The consequences of stealing (the hero attempts to steal a bike unsuccessfully in a final scene) are also subtly brought in. Reminded me of another film, Cinema Paradiso, for its setting (Italy) and style of narration. Some of Kurosawa's films are also similar in style. Good viewing! Put it in your bucket!
The unemployed young man gets an offer to work (and eat) but he needs a bicycle to get the job-that of putting up posters around the city. With great difficulty, he manages a bicycle, but it gets stolen while he is at his job, right under his nose. His travails with the cops, helpful friends helping to trace the bike, and the impact on his life due to this incident alternately getting him down and upbeat, form the rest of the narration.
Vittorio De Sica keeps it simple, focused, and from the gut. Riveting fare, showing anyone who cares to learn, that you don't need item numbers or gross dialogue to keep the viewer's attention. The consequences of stealing (the hero attempts to steal a bike unsuccessfully in a final scene) are also subtly brought in. Reminded me of another film, Cinema Paradiso, for its setting (Italy) and style of narration. Some of Kurosawa's films are also similar in style. Good viewing! Put it in your bucket!
3 comments:
One of those films that left me in tears. A poignant piece of art,truly unforgettable.
Sir, please check out Sica's Umberto D too. It is the story of a government pensioner and his loneliness. Though not in the same class as The Bicycle Thief, it is still brilliant.
Yeah, will do. Thanks.
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