REVIEW FOUR: BICYCLE THIEVES

Justice Stolen

Every so often comes along a film that hits you., that shows you an uncomfortable new side of humanity. Bicycle Thieves could be it.

Set in the aftermath of World War One, the film follows Antonio, a chronically unemployed man with a self-acknowledged run of bad luck. At last, a job offer, but there's a catch - “no bicycle, no job”. After his wife pawns their bedsheets to buy back a bicycle for Antonio, he sets out, a new man with only success and fortune ahead. Until his bicycle is stolen. Son in hand, Antonio sets out to get back his bicycle. It seems that every institution set up to help the working man is too self-absorbed to notice his plight.

There is something about this film that is unbearable. Its reality – and it is a true neorealist film – sucks from you any glimpse of hope in mankind you may have previously entertained. You are on the edge of your seat. What bad luck could possibly bestowed next, after the police continue to turn a blind eye and the trade union ignore the common man? We can be beastly. In an age of depression, Vittorio De Sica poses many questions, among them, who is helping the working class, the individual? This film will open your eyes to a society devoid of support systems which actually provide support.

Bicycle Thieves also explores the father and son relationship between Antonio and Bruno, a wide-eyed boy who just wants to help his father. The unintentional oversights and misunderstandings between the two are never fully resolved. Even after he fears that his son has drowned, Antonio neglects to hold Bruno's hand while crossing a busy road. But somehow this makes the film more real; their relationship will continue to rise and fall beyond what we see on screen.

This film is not easy. Though uncomfortable as it is, we are often invited to laugh, and the comic relief is very welcome.

A brilliant piece of work that begs to be watched and will incite emotion in all. It has many lessons, and a resounding message: what has come to society when the poor must steal from the poor? After all, contrary to what is often cited, it is not Bicycle Thief, but Thieves. One thief at the beginning, and one at the end.