Heralded as on of the Greatest movies of all time, the Bicycle Thief is a heartbreaking story of a man in search of a stolen bicycle, which he needs to work. Directed by Vittorio DeSica, The Bicycle Thief is frequently on critics’ lists of best movies ever made. It has been given an honorary Academy Award and called the “greatest film of all time”, by Sight and Sound Magazine.

DeSica, following the precepts of the neorealist style, shot only on location in Rome and used ordinary people, not professional actors. His star, Lamberto Maggiorani playing the role of the father, was a factory worker. With this 1948 film and brand new 2007 films, the 2008 Italian Film Festival is able to present representations of sixty years of great Italian films to our audiences. Even if you have seen the Bicycle Thief before, its captivating story and unique style provides an unmatched viewing experience.

Running time: 93 minutes.