Bicycle Thieves

1948, Drama, 1h 30m

68 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

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

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Movie Info

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.

Cast & Crew

Lamberto Maggiorani
Antonio Ricci
Lianella Carell
Maria
Enzo Staiola
Bruno
Elena Altieri
The charitable Lady
Vittorio Antonucci
The Thief
Gino Saltamerenda
Baiocco
Fausto Guerzoni
Amateur Actor
Giulio Chiari
The Beggar
Vittorio De Sica
Director
Luigi Bartolini
Writer
Cesar Zavattini
Writer
Suso Cecchi d'Amico
Screenwriter
Vittorio De Sica
Producer
Alessandro Cicognini
Original Music
Carlo Montuori
Cinematographer
Eraldo Da Roma
Film Editing
Antonio Traverso
Production Design
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News & Interviews for Bicycle Thieves

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Critic Reviews for Bicycle Thieves

All Critics (68) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (67) | Rotten (1)
Full Review… Richard Winnington Sight & Sound Full Review… Bob Thomas Associated Press Full Review… Christy Lemire ChristyLemire.com Full Review… Kate Muir Times (UK) Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Don Druker Chicago Reader Full Review… Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Full Review… Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Full Review… André Bazin Esprit Full Review… Sarah Brinks Battleship Pretension Full Review… Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Full Review… Merl Edelman Los Angeles Free Press
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Audience Reviews for Bicycle Thieves

  • Oct 17, 2012
    Humorous, poignant and heartbreaking, this wonderful gem of Italian neorealism deserves every bit of its long-lasting reputation as a classic and unforgettable social statement, and it is always beautiful to see how it eschews any sentimentality and remains always honest in its emotions.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 04, 2012
    "The Bicycle Thief" has a message so universal, a story so engrossing and performances so likable that even those with fears of subtitles and black-and-white film making will find themselves enjoying it. To me, it isn't a masterpiece, but rather an interesting achievement. It's so constantly inventive and absorbing, giving us characters that we actually care about. The outcome is decidedly bleak, but it's honest as well, and in the end, that's really what makes "The Bicycle Thief" so special.
    Stephen E Super Reviewer
  • Jul 06, 2012
    An individual story about the general disparity of post World War II Europe. Haunting, beautiful, and sad--but telling.
    Jeff L Super Reviewer
  • Jun 29, 2012
    Bicycle Thieves is a great neo-realistic Italian film. It's sad and you can't help but pity our protagonist. The performances were well played. And the acting of Bruno was some of the best I've seen from a kid.
    Daniel D Super Reviewer
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