Bicycle Thieves, also known as Ladri di biciclette in Italian, is a neorealist film directed by Vittorio De Sica in 1948. The movie takes place in post-World War II Rome, where the economy is in shambles and unemployment is rampant. Antono Ricci is a poor, unemployed man who finally lands a job as a poster hanger, but he needs a bicycle to perform his duties.
After selling some family possessions to purchase a used bicycle, Antonio sets out on his new job, hopeful that it will provide a better life for his wife Maria and young son Bruno. However, on his first day of work, Antonio's bicycle is stolen from outside of the building where he is hanging up posters.
Antonio and his son Bruno embark on a desperate search for the stolen bicycle, spending the day combing the streets and markets of Rome. As they search, they come across various characters who provide different perspectives on the harsh realities of life in post-war Rome.
The movie is a powerful depiction of poverty, desperation, and the struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. It is a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity and the lengths that people will go to protect their families and their livelihoods. The ending of the movie is ambiguous and haunting, leaving viewers with a sense of the darkness of the world and the possibility of redemption.