MovieChat Forums > Ladri di biciclette (1949) Discussion > Am I the only person that didn't think i...

Am I the only person that didn't think it was too great?

posted 18 years ago by AnUnknownPleasure
87 replies | jump to latest

I found that the film had a powerful message, and I was actually deeply saddened by the ending, but I honestly think the film was extremely drawn out; and thats saying a lot for a 90 minute film.

I felt that a lot of the scenes were just trying to paint the portrait of the promise of hapiness that was robbed from this man, but it did so in a completely arduous way.

I think it might be more powerful if it was shorter/more cohesive.

I would probably give it around a 7.8. Not top 10 material by far.

Thoughts?

[–] WHakan 15 years ago

In a completely non-apologetical way, I think the drawing out helps convey the desperation and frustration that the main characters are feeling. If it was shorter, it wouldn't have the same effect. In other words, your frustration with the length of the movie is a reflection of Antonio's frustration in how long it's taking him to find his bishiclitta (I love saying bishiclitta).

What I was a little disappointed with, though, is that, while no doubt being a powerful film, it was nowhere near as sophisticated or multi-layered as I thought it would be, given its reputation. In fact, it has exactly one layer; he wants his bike back or he'll starve - and of course feelings of hopelessness, being driven into crime, setting a bad example for his son....ok maybe not so single-layered, but still not enough meat on this bone in my opinion.

[–] joacoguiraldes 15 years ago

I just watched this, Paisa, Umberto D and Rome Open City for a History of Cinema Course. I can understand the importance of Neorealism, both aesthetically and historically, and how influential these movies were for future movements and vanguards, but the movies, in and of themselves are uneven. I understand the technical limitations the makers dealt with, but structurally and storywise I don't find them very good. "Ladri" is probably the best made, but that's not enough to make it a great film in my opinion. They are VERY important historically, I don't deny that fact one bit, but as individual movies, I didn't find them very good. Paisa particularly I thought was a mess. Next week I have Nouvelle Vague, so I'll see how that goes.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] Sparrowhisperer 15 years ago

Which is more depressing:

"The promise of happiness that was robbed from this man"

or

"The man believed that the promise of happiness was robbed from him"

... taking into account that we are talking about a bicycle?

I think the building of desperation coupled with the growing anxiety of his fading possibility of 'happiness' renders the film remarkable. And the pacing place no small part in this.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] Sic Coyote 15 years ago

It's a well made film but it's so as the man before me said fugging depressing, can't say I'll be watching it again, it's just too frustrating.

----

Even if you hate Uwe Boll, give Postal a try, be offended or entertained.

[–] rootieboy 15 years ago

I agree with the OP. The story was drawn out for a 90 min film. I could see this being a short 15 min movie.

[–] Toxic-Poison 15 years ago

To make a long story short:

Yes. You, sir, are an idiot. Your heart is black. You're all probably a bunch of spoiled brats that couldn't be bothered with the lower classes' problems.

This movie is simply magnificent!

[–] raiserroofer 15 years ago

I'm siding with OP and many of the people who felt "meh" about this film. I tend to appreciate films that 'take their time' sort of speak; a simple story focusing on a brilliant execution. But this film just didn't have that.

It was very well shot, but seemed overly drawn out. I paused the movie on numerous occasions (particularly within the first 15 minutes) simply due to me being distracted with other things. And that's rare. It was difficult to sit through and appreciate.