Bicycle Thieves
The Prize Picture They Want to Censor!
1948 • 89 min • Drama
Synopsis
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.
Our family guide
Best from age 9- 100 Reviewers · 2 · 51%
- 82 Audience · 2708 · 49%
Unemployed Antonio finally finds work hanging posters in post-war Rome, but his essential bicycle is stolen on his first day. Desperate, he and his young son search the city for the thief, facing moral dilemmas and the harsh realities of their situation. This poignant drama explores the struggles of a family in poverty.
- Violence & peril
- 2/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 1/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 0/10
- Scary moments
- 3/10
Heads up
- Scenes depict desperation and poverty.
- A child is slapped by his father.
- A desperate act of theft is shown.
What it models well
- Perseverance through hardship
- The bond between father and son
- Empathy for those in need
- The importance of integrity
Talk about it after
- What does the film say about poverty?
- How would you define justice in this story?
- What sacrifices do families make for each other?
- When is it hard to do the right thing?
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Bicycle Thieves. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
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Top billed cast
Director: Vittorio De Sica • Crew: Vittorio De Sica, Gerardo Guerrieri, Oreste Biancoli, Suso Cecchi d'Amico, Cesare Zavattini, Adolfo Franci, Gherardo Gherardi, Cesare Zavattini
Trailers & clips
Bicycle Thieves (1948) Trailer #1
Suso Cecchi D'Amico on BICYCLES THIEVES
Enzo Staiola on BICYCLE THIEVES
Reviewer notes
RecommendedTrusted family reviewersIn post war Rome, money is very tight for "Antonio" (Lamberto Maggiorani) so when he gets a chance to earn some extra cash, he grabs the opportunity. Snag is, he needs his bike to do the work and someone has just pinched it. Together with his young son "Bruno" (a superb Enzo Staiola) he sets out on the near impossible task of tracking the thing down!…
RecommendedTrusted family reviewersWhen in Rome... keep an eye on your bicycle! Or else it might be stolen and you'll find yourself fruitlessly searching the streets of Italy, as the father and son do in this classic Italian film. Lamberto Maggiorani, as the desperate, out of work father, and Enzo Staiola, as his frustrated young son, play off each other nicely and a nice pace keeps things interesting.…
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 8.2/10 (2,708)
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $133,000
- Box office
- $450,159
- IMDb
- tt0040522