Review by wmasta.
Ladri di Biciclette
An Italian Neo-realist film where a man searches for his stolen bicycle and finds his SOUL.
Let’s see…we begin in post-depressed World War II Italy, where all are hungry, war-torn and unemployed. In the midst of misery, we find Antonio Ricci, our post-optimistic protagonist, receiving the moment of a lifetime, A JOB, with good pay, amidst a crowd of desperate and unemployed pisants.
The only requirement – a bicycle, which he does not have, but knows he can get by pawning everything of value in his household, including his bed linens.
With job and bike in hand, Antonio kisses his wife exuberantly, tows his son on the handlebars and heads happily off to work.
BUT ALAS, the bike is stolen, his income is gone, his security is lost and hope remains an elusive friend.
“What happens if we don’t find the bike, father?”, asks Antonio’s son.
“We will starve” states our hero.
What happens next?
In the words of the fortune teller from whom Antonio seeks advice, ” You’ll the find the bicycle quickly, or not at all.”
That is my summary, to you potential viewer, regarding Ladri di Biciclette,.. you’ll get the point quickly, or not at all….
