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Bicycle Thieves

Play trailer 1:59 Poster for Bicycle Thieves Released Oct 24, 1948 1h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
99% Tomatometer 67 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Unemployed Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani) is elated when he finally finds work hanging posters around war-torn Rome. His wife, Maria (Lianella Carell), sells the family's bed linens to retrieve Antonio's bicycle from the pawnshop so he can take the job. However, disaster strikes when Antonio's bicycle is stolen, and his new job is doomed unless he can find the thief. With the help of his lively son, Bruno (Enzo Staiola), Antonio combs the city, growing increasingly desperate for justice.
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Bicycle Thieves

Bicycle Thieves

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Critics Consensus

An Italian neorealism exemplar, Bicycle Thieves thrives on its non-flashy performances and searing emotion.

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Critics Reviews

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Richard Winnington Sight & Sound Bicycle Thieves is a wholly satisfying film in that de Sica has so simplified and mastered the mechanics of the job that nothing stands between you and his intention. Feb 2, 2021 Full Review Bob Thomas Associated Press This gem tells the story of a frantic search bv a man and his son for a stolen bike which provided for the family's existence. It is told with the usual Italian realism, but with unusual excitement. Mar 29, 2019 Full Review Christy Lemire ChristyLemire.com Decades later, you can see the influence of Bicycle Thieves everywhere, in a variety of genres and languages. Rated: 4/4 Feb 27, 2018 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand [Vittorio] De Sica brings an almost documentary style to capture life in front of his lens, but infused it with an eye toward poetic realism. Feb 4, 2023 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies “The Bicycle Thief” paints a bleak picture of a troubling cycle. It takes abject poverty and theft and links them together to form a depressing revolving door. Rated: 4.5/5 Aug 19, 2022 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review At its most essential, the film cries out with humanity, establishing its place of renown in the highest ranks of international cinema. Rated: 4/4 Feb 14, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steve B This review has spoilers not that it can make this experience any worse. Let’s be honest. It is just a depressing film made after Italy lost the war. The sort of film that offers nothing but constant frustration. From the moment the guy gets his bike stolen and nobody is willing to help him recover it to the end when he tries to steal a bike and all of a sudden the whole of Italy is ready to help stop him. The end. Good luck finding some pleasure from this film. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 06/10/25 Full Review Stephen C Success in 1.5 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/07/25 Full Review Christian L Such a simple story that is incredibly moving. Heart breaking. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/27/25 Full Review Diego M Bicycle Thieves (or Ladri di biciclette), directed by Vittorio De Sica, is a stark portrayal of post-war Italy’s hardships. The story follows Antonio Ricci, a man who, after securing a job that requires a bicycle, is forced to rely on his wife’s sacrifice of selling their bedsheets to buy one. When his bike is stolen on the job, Antonio and his young son, Bruno, desperately search for it, knowing that without it, Antonio will lose his livelihood. The film builds on Antonio’s escalating desperation, culminating in a moment where he steals a bicycle himself, witnessed by Bruno, leading to a profound emotional crisis. The film's static camerawork enhances the realism of the story, focusing on the characters' emotional journeys rather than flashy techniques. Notable is a scene where Bruno witnesses his father’s crime. The camera movement, paired with the actor’s portrayal, draws the audience into Bruno’s confusion and sorrow, creating a deep sense of empathy. As a key example of Italian neorealism, the film depicts the harsh reality of poverty, with a focus on social issues such as hunger and unemployment. The performances of the non-professional actors, including Lamberto Maggiorani as Antonio and Enzo Staiola as Bruno, are raw and authentic. Their powerful portrayal of the Ricci family’s plight draws viewers into their world. De Sica skillfully builds tension early on with a “fake-out” involving the bike, tricking the audience into thinking it will be stolen before it actually is, which heightens the emotional impact of the theft. As Antonio’s desperation grows, he becomes so consumed by finding the bike that he neglects his son, Bruno. Through Bruno’s eyes, the film highlights the brutal realities of poverty and how far a person will go to survive, even if it means compromising their morals. Bicycle Thieves ultimately conveys the idea that in extreme desperation, survival often trumps morality, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of despair and the harsh truth of social inequality. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Luca D The only flaw in this movie is the fact that the father is so careless with his prized possession (no not his son, his bike obviously) other than that it's so emotional watching this father's desperation in trying to feed his family. A perfectly executed film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/19/24 Full Review William B Best post-WW2 film I've ever watched. Must see movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Bicycle Thieves

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Movie Info

Synopsis Unemployed Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani) is elated when he finally finds work hanging posters around war-torn Rome. His wife, Maria (Lianella Carell), sells the family's bed linens to retrieve Antonio's bicycle from the pawnshop so he can take the job. However, disaster strikes when Antonio's bicycle is stolen, and his new job is doomed unless he can find the thief. With the help of his lively son, Bruno (Enzo Staiola), Antonio combs the city, growing increasingly desperate for justice.
Director
Vittorio De Sica
Producer
Vittorio De Sica
Screenwriter
Luigi Bartolini, Cesar Zavattini, Suso Cecchi d'Amico
Production Co
Produzioni De Sica
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Italian
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 24, 1948, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 29, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$332.9K
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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