A sublime tale of a government pensioner by the name of Umberto Domenico Ferrari (played brilliantly by Carlo Battisti) in the post-war Italy.
One of the most poignant and moving stories ever told on film, with an unusual theme - what happens to an old man who is left destitute by circumstances (war, inflation) in post-war Italy. Terribly sad and sentimental, yet filled with the visual poetry for which De Sica ('Bicycle Thieves') is deservedly famed. A superb film - withering in its critique of uncaring capitalism - It is hard-edged - there is no solution to Umberto's plight, and the depiction of war-damaged Rome is completely convincing. (Subtitles)
