The Bicycle Thief Full Movie Online
Introduction
The Bicycle Thief, also known as Bicycle Thieves, is a 1948 Italian neorealist film directed by Vittorio De Sica. The movie is based on a novel by Luigi Bartolini and stars Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola. The film follows the story of a poor man in post-World War II Rome who gets a job that requires him to have a bicycle. However, when his bike is stolen, he and his son must search the city to find it.
The Plot
The film is set in Rome, Italy, in the immediate aftermath of World War II. Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani) is a poor man who has been unemployed for months. He finally gets a job putting up posters around the city, but the job requires him to have a bicycle. He and his wife Maria (Lianella Carell) sell their bedsheets to get the money to retrieve Antonio's pawned bicycle, which he needs for his new job.
On his first day of work, Antonio's bicycle is stolen, and he and his son Bruno (Enzo Staiola) begin a desperate search through the streets of Rome to find it. They visit markets, pawn shops, and even a brothel in their search but come up empty-handed. As time runs out, Antonio becomes more desperate and resorts to stealing a bicycle himself, only to be caught and beaten by a group of vigilantes.
The Themes
The Bicycle Thief is a film that explores themes of poverty, desperation, and the human condition. The film depicts the struggles of a man and his son who are caught in a cycle of poverty, and the desperation that comes with trying to make ends meet. It also highlights the importance of community and the need for empathy and compassion towards those who are less fortunate.
The film also touches on the issues of unemployment, social inequality, and the aftermath of war. It portrays the harsh realities of life in post-war Italy, where jobs were scarce, and poverty was rampant.
The Reception
The Bicycle Thief is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It won numerous awards, including an honorary Academy Award in 1950, and has been included on numerous "best of" lists. The film's realistic portrayal of poverty and desperation struck a chord with audiences around the world and continues to resonate with viewers today.
Where to Watch
The Bicycle Thief is available to watch online on various platforms, including Amazon Prime, Google Play, and YouTube. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Conclusion
The Bicycle Thief is a masterpiece of Italian neorealism and a powerful portrayal of poverty, desperation, and the human condition. The film's themes and message continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic. If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth a watch.