The Bicycle Thief (1948 movie)

Directed by: Vittorio de Sica
Released : 1948
Country : Italy
Original title: Ladri di biciclette
Also known as: Bicycle Thieves
 
Plot synopsis
 
Antonio Ricci is a poor man. He has to find a job in order to support his wife and two children. Finally, he gets the gets the job to hang posters, but he will not be allowed to do the job if he doesn't have a bicycle. He indeed has a bicycle, which is pawned. His wife, Maria Ricci, sells their bedsheets to redeem the bicycle. On the first day of work, the bicycle is stolen by a thief. Antonio is sad and worried. The next day, Antonio and his son Bruno start looking for the bicycle. What happens then?
 
Cast
 
Lamberto Maggiorani as Antonio Ricci
Lianella Carell as Maria Ricci
Enzo Staiola as Bruno Ricci
Gino Saltamerenda as Baiocco
Vittorio Antonucci as Bicycle Thief
 
Achievements
 
The Bicycle Thief was a very successful film. It was given an Academy Honorary Award in 1950. It also received a number of other awards and nominations. It won a BAFTA, a Golden Globe award, and numerous other awards.
 
My opinion
 
The Bicycle Thief is a very sad and touching film. Indeed, it is among the most saddest films I've ever seen. (It is the only Italian neorealist movie that I've seen yet, but I have plans to see more them).  

5 out of 5.