Ladri di biciclette is a classic norealist film set just after World War II in Italy. The non- professional actors and improvised dialogue, made this film truly present the Italian society during post war. There are multiple significant scenes that represent the overall themes of the film. In the opening scene, there is a crowed of unemployed men surrounding a police officer. The police officer announces the name of Antonio Ricci, the main character, and he is given a job. Antonio is given the job of a poster hanger, and it means everything to him. For the authority, the men are just a bunch of people hoping for meaningless and low paying jobs. The group of unemployed men represent the poverty and pain of neglect that Italy was facing during post war. There is tension within the authority versus the poverty of individuals. This is also represented in another scene where Antonio goes to the police station to report his stolen bicycle. The police do not seem to care that a bike was stolen and ignore his report completely. The police even mentions that searching for the bicycle will waste his time. …show more content…
Antonio visits the fortune teller that he earlier mocked, out of desperation. Before, he believed that the fortune teller’s advice is worthless and not reliable. However he is so desperate that any kind of advice will give him much hope. There is a big line of people in the fortune teller’s home, and a group people are waiting for advice. Antonio and Bruno cut the line, and the only wisdom the fortune teller gives Antonio is to “find the bike right away or you never will.” Even though the fortune teller’s advice is not so great, she represents a sign of hope and faith shaken. The group of people need some kind of support and visit the fortune teller for a sense of assurance and hope. They act out of desperation and any wise words are good enough for them considering the poverty within the