Bicycle Thieves (1948) movie poster

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Ladri di biciclette
"The Prize Picture They Want to Censor!"
ThumbScore
👍 91%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
🎬 99% (RT: 99%) ℹ️RT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
Drama

Where to Watch

Free
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Director
Runtime
1h 29m
Country
Italy
Language
Italian
TMDB Rating
8.2/10 (2,620 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
99%
Cast
Enzo Staiola as Bruno
Vittorio Antonucci as Alfredo Catelli, The Thief
Giulio Chiari as The Beggar
Elena Altieri as The Charitable Lady
Carlo Jachino as A Beggar
Yes. 91% of real audiences liked it based on 2,620 votes. Critics agree, scoring it 99%.
Overview
Unemployed Antonio is elated when he finally finds work hanging posters around war-torn Rome. However on his first day, his bicycle—essential to his work—gets stolen. His job is doomed unless he can find the thief. With the help of his son, Antonio combs the city, becoming desperate for justice. Wikipedia ↗
Fun Facts
  • Vittorio De Sica originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
  • The original script for Bicycle Thieves was written over a decade before production finally began in 1948.
  • The incredible score for Bicycle Thieves was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
Audience Consensus

Bicycle Thieves is a 1948 drama film directed by Vittorio De Sica. Unemployed Antonio is elated when he finally finds work hanging posters around war-torn Rome. However on his first day, his bicycle—essential to his work—gets stolen.

His job is doomed unless he can find the thief. With the help of his son, Antonio combs the city, becoming desperate for justice. The film has been rated by 2,620 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers.

As a drama film, Bicycle Thieves delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling. The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences. Bicycle Thieves (1948) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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What Reddit Thinks

r/movies
⬆ 529💬 22 comments
Enzo Staiola, who played Bruno in The Bicycle Thieves (1948), has passed away at the age of 85.
Top comment: "Masterpiece of a film. He was amazing. When he wipes his tears away in the final scene, I had to..."
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