Directed by: Vittorio De Sica
Starring: Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola
Genre: Drama
IMDB
Criterion
What I love most about this film is the dichotomy between the importance of the bicycle to Bruno and Antonio and the way the police pass it off as inconsequential. The film is in turns poignant, chilling, funny and utterly depressing and De Sica moves between these emotions with the purpose and skill of a master (this is his masterpiece, though Umberto D is magnificent as well).
The two main actors, both acting in their first film, give beautiful and understated performances. The film itself is virtually flawless, though unfortunately it feels a bit dated now (Umberto D holds up much better). Regardless, this is a classic of Italian neo-realism and quietly one of the greatest films ever made.
