Rising Emotion

The ending of Ladri di Biciclette (Bicycle Thieves) is an amazing demonstration of rising emotion in film, and character shown through choice.

In the harsh conditions of Rome after WW2, Antonio finally lands a job. But he needs a bike and he pawned his. His wife pawns their bedsheets to be able to buy the bike back so he can start the job. The bike is stolen that first day. The next day Antonio and his young son follow different leads to find his bike, finding the thief eventually but leaving empty handed after being accused by the neighbourhood of harassment.

In the final scene, Antonio walks past the football stadium. It’s the end of the day. He and his son are tired. Antonio can’t work the next day without a bike. He is torn between his honesty and the need to do something to get a bike so he can feed his family.

The inner conflict here, the choice Antonio is faced with, is such a powerful cinematic moment.

Here’s a link to the final scene.

And another to a quality version with English subtitles also on YouTube.