Amidst the war-ravaged streets of Rome, antonio/">Antonio, a desperate man, struggles to keep his head above water. His livelihood, a bicycle essential for his job posting posters, is stolen before his very eyes. In a city where survival hinges on every possession, Antonio and his young son, bruno/">Bruno, embark on a relentless search for justice. As they navigate the labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets, they encounter a kaleidoscope of characters: maria/">Maria, Antonio‘s devoted wife; baiocco/">Baiocco, the cynical thief; and Alfredo, the enigmatic criminal who seems to hold the key to their stolen bicycle. Each encounter weaves threads in the tapestry of Antonio‘s journey, painting a vivid portrait of a man grappling with despair, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.
Movie Overview
| Title | Bicycle Thieves |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1948-07-21 |
| Runtime | 89 minutes |
| Genre | Drama |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Lamberto Maggiorani | Antonio |
| Enzo Staiola | Bruno |
| Lianella Carell | Maria |
| Gino Saltamerenda | Baiocco |
| Vittorio Antonucci | Alfredo Catelli, The Thief |
| Giulio Chiari | The Beggar |
| Elena Altieri | The Charitable Lady |
| Carlo Jachino | A Beggar |
| Michele Sakara | Secretary of the Charity Organization |
| Emma Druetti | |
| Eolo Capritti | Carabiniere (uncredited) |
| Fausto Guerzoni | Amateur Actor (uncredited) |
| Giulio Battiferri | Citizen Who Protects the Real Thief (uncredited) |
| Sergio Leone | A Seminary Student (uncredited) |
| Mario Meniconi | Meniconi, the Street Sweeper (uncredited) |
| Checco Rissone | Guard in Piazza Vittorio (uncredited) |
| Peppino Spadaro | Police Officer (uncredited) |
| Nando Bruno | (uncredited) |
| Memmo Carotenuto | (uncredited) |
| Umberto Spadaro | (uncredited) |
| Piero Heliczer | A Young Boy (uncredited) |
| Massimo Randisi | Rich Kid in Restaurant (uncredited) |
Storyline
War-torn Rome casts its oppressive shadow on Antonio Ricci, an unemployed man whose glimmer of hope emerges when he secures a job posting posters. However, fate strikes a cruel blow when his bicycle, crucial for his work, is stolen. Panic sets in as Antonio realizes his livelihood is at stake. Accompanied by his young son, Bruno, he embarks on a relentless search through the city’s chaotic streets. Along their arduous journey, they encounter the compassionate Maria, who offers them shelter, and the sinister Baiocco, a ruthless fence involved in the black market. As Antonio and Bruno desperately chase every lead, they navigate a labyrinth of characters: the enigmatic thief, Alfredo, who hides behind a web of deceit; the beggars, both genuine and fraudulent; and the corrupt officials who turn a blind eye to the suffering of the poor. Will Antonio recover his stolen bicycle, or will his dreams be shattered in the unforgiving streets of postwar Rome? The poignant tale of “Bicycle Thieves” unravels as a symphony of desperation, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a father determined to protect his family’s well-being.
Details
In the ravaged streets of post-war Rome, “Bicycle Thieves” paints a poignant and evocative tale of Antonio, an unemployed man desperate to provide for his family. When his bicycle, essential for his newfound job, is stolen, he embarks on a relentless search alongside his young son, Bruno. Their journey unfolds as a gripping chase through the crowded piazzas and alleyways of the city. As they encounter a host of characters, from the compassionate to the suspicious, Antonio and Bruno are tested by both the harsh realities of poverty and the resilience of the human spirit. Their quest for justice becomes an exploration of social inequality, the fragility of dignity, and the unwavering bond between a father and son. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Italy, the film captures the essence of neorealism, poignantly highlighting the human struggle for survival and redemption.
FAQs
What is Bicycle Thieves about?
Set in post-war Rome, the film follows Antonio Ricci, a man who finds work hanging posters when his bicycle is stolen. His bicycle is essential for his job, so he desperately searches for the thief alongside his young son, Bruno.
What genre is Bicycle Thieves?
Drama
Who directed Bicycle Thieves?
Vittorio De Sica
Who are the main actors in Bicycle Thieves?
Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola
What year was Bicycle Thieves released?
1948
What language is Bicycle Thieves in?
Italian
What is the runtime of Bicycle Thieves?
89 minutes
What is the IMDb rating of Bicycle Thieves?
8.2
What is the Rotten Tomatoes rating of Bicycle Thieves?
98%
What awards did Bicycle Thieves win?
Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (1950), BAFTA Award for Best Film from any Source (1951), Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film (1950)
