Vittorio De Sica's 1948 classic film is both resounding and simple and a prime example of Italian Neorealism, a style of film set amongst the poor and made largely with non-actors. Set in post-WW2 Rome, a destitute man finally gets a job plastering advertisements around the city, which requires him to use a bicycle. Feeling he will not be able to afford one and thus taking the job anyway, his wife pawns their reserve of bed sheets to provide enough cash for a bike, which in turn gets stolen on his first day of work. He then begins his search, with his young son it tow, to locate the thief and crucial stolen item. "The Bicycle Thief" is an ultimately sad film that makes statements on poverty and crime while leaving a lasting impression. It is a work to be seen and a lasting work of beatific simplicity.
