Bicycle Thieves [1948] [VHS]

The theft of mobility, the loss of movement. A corrupt state content to turn away. Crime pays when the law is a savage. Ah, jeez, give him his bike back I screamed at the auld one. The bikes are whistling past everywhere. It's desperate. Poverty and hardship are no place to live... I said all this to big Jim O'Dwyer at his hardware shop and he was after throwing a spatular at me. He said, don't come back either. There was a bit of a que now in fairness. I'll try him again tomorrow. xx

A timeless classic of how adversity can change your filter on life.During the recession a man is struggling to get a job until he finally lands one. Putting up ad's on boards and his only accomplice being his trusted bike. The glimmer of hope is soon transformed into darkness, after his bike is stolen during a job.This sets the backdrop for the movie as the man starts walking the streets with his son with the hope of finding his bike. Desperation and frustration is all but evident in the characters portrayal of a struggling father that is trying his best to provide for his family during a recession.His relationship with his son grows throughout the film as his son tries to provide the much needed hope and encouragement he needs to pursue his search.I love this film, i just wish i found it earlier!

I purchased Rififi, which had English sub-titles, and really enjoyed this. I purchased The Bicycles Thieves thinking it would also have English sub-titles, which it did not. I even checked the TV's setting 'Italian Film with English sub-titles', but nothing.There are a number of films which look good and I would purchase them if I knew they had the sub-titles.

For want of a bicycle, a job was lost. For want of a job, a lifeline was lost. For want of a lifeline, a family unit sank into despair.The director keeps a commanding eye on the story, praiseworthy all the way to the end.A post-war family on their knee's, whose reality based aspirations seek only the daily basics- food, togetherness and hope.

I think this is a known as a film-buff's film but that's not me. I watched it more out of an interest in bicycles. This film certainly brings it home how important the bicycle was in that time and place.Story wise, I was a bit bored to begin with but then really got into it. This is no spoiler but the final scene in the marketplace (the father and son walking together) is very moving. Incredible acting in that scene.

A totally convincing and heart rending account of the poverty and degradation suffered by ordinary Italians before the Second World War. Stellar performances from all the actors, old and young.

Beautiful movie. There is something magical about movies being shot in b&wi n glorious sunshine.

If you want a film to make you mad, reflective and then angry; this is the one. This film really pulls at your emotions and your loyalties to the characters. I am still debating whether he was a victim of the situation or a victim of his own laziness. Definitely, one to watch in a film group for an excellent debate, but it does have subtitles.