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Created Mar 25, 2011 04:37PM PST • Edited Mar 25, 2011 04:38PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   A foreign-language Oscar winning film from 1948 about a poor man in post World War II Rome who finally lands a job, only to have his bicycle stolen on his first day of work, rendering him unemployed. Without a bicycle, he cannot work. Without work, his family cannot survive.

   The movie is a portrait of family values. It has gained worldwide praise as an excellent example of Italian neorealist films, which are characterized by use of locals for actors in an attempt to bring realism to cinema, often with themes of survival or social repression. In this particular movie, the lead character is played by Lambert Maggiorani, a factory worker in real life, whose hardened facial features add to the gripping despair of the story. Maggiorani plays Antonio who delights in finally finding work hangin pictures of Rita Heyworth around Rome. But when his bicycle is stolen, he and his son sink further and further into despair, as they realize that they will continue to be devastated financially unless they find the bicycle.

   The story itself is rather simple, and obviously, there are no special effects. Filmed on location in Rome, it offers a fascinating glimpse into postwar Italy. The lack of jobs, poverty and communal spirit of the city are captured beautifully.

   Watch this movie to appreciate the simplicity of the story and the struggle to do the right thing and provide for a family. While it doesn’t contain the CGI effects of today’s blockbusters, it’s an important movie that speaks volumes about humanity.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

   Maggiorani is great, slowly sinking deeper and deeper into despair as he realizes he may never see his bicycle again. But even better was Enzo Staiola, who plays the mop-haired son Bruno, earnestly helping his father in the search. Staiola is wonderful, portraying devotion ot a father, yet a remarkable sense of maturity.

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

    A masterful use of cinema to capture the despair. Director Vittorio De Sica was masterful at getting responses from his non-professional actors.

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music Barely OK 2.0

    The music was a bit melodramatic after a while.

14. Visuals Good 3.0

    Wonderful expose on Rome.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.4

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

    none

18. Violence Gentle 1.4

19. Rudeness Salty 1.8

    The feeling of despair in very profound.

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0