The Bicycle Thieves - Criterion Collection (DVD)

The recipient of international acclaim, Vittorio de Sica`s Italian Neorealist masterwork, THE BICYCLE THIEF, is a treasure of world cinema. After nearly two years of unemployment, Antonio (Lamberto Maggiorani) finally finds work posting bills. But he needs a bicycle to do the job. Unfortunately, he was forced to pawn his own bicycle long ago. In a humbling, tragic scene, Antonio exchanges his family`s linen for his bicycle. But when the bike is stolen on his first day of work, he must comb the streets of Rome in search of the bike: his family`s only means to survival. After three days of hunting, Antonio and his son, Bruno (Enzo Staiola), find the thief (Vittorio Antonucci)--but without witnesses or evidence, the police are unwilling to help Antonio. Hopeless, Antonio and Bruno wander aimlessly through Rome, landing outside of a soccer stadium where hundreds of bicycles are parked. His will broken, Antonio attempts to steal a bike but is caught in the act. Thematically, Vittoria de Sica`s THE BICYCLE THIEF details an everyman story of loss of innocence in the face of a destitute society, while the film`s poignant acting and directing creates an individual and heart-wrenching tale of one man`s struggle to feed his family. The film is often considered one of the masterpieces of 20th century cinema. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.