Bicycle Thieves (1948)
When losing a bike loses everything.
Presentation:
Italian cinema seems to be the least recognized even though it is every bit as good as the French. This underrated film is one my favorite Italian movies for its style and story. It’s every bit as timeless watching today as it is in 1948 as poverty doesn’t seem to be fixed any time soon. Although finding a stolen bicycle seems simple, there are deep themes and social commentary at play that make this more than just a quest movie. It takes the concept and really builds the entire Italian zeitgeists around it. The acting is superb, Italian presentation has panache as always, and the cinematography is also excellent. I rarely see films this early on that look as good as this with beautiful shallow depth of field and swirly background blur to isolate the character.
Conclusion:
Like Cinema Paradiso, this is a film that should linger with you after the credits, though in different way. It’s catered toward Italians whom have lived or are familiar with the fascist regime and consequential social problems, but its universal themes should still resonate with audiences across the world. Don’t sleep on Italian cinema, or you might lose more than just your bike.
Recommendations
When losing a bike loses everything.