Bicycle Thieves

Bicycle Thieves is one of the most famous examples of post WWII Italian Neorealism. Italy was focusing on life "here and now" and how the nation survived the devastating war. This film represents how life during the war was hard, but also how life after the war was just as difficult. These ideas are shown through this films use of scanning reality, and exemplifying the total desperation that was felt by many during this time. Following the life of a poor family, post WWII, the father sadly transitions from the victim of a stolen bicycle, to a bicycle thief himself. With tears in his eyes, viewers sympathize with the character, while also pitying him for following through with the decision he was essentially forced to make.