:
Carlo Battisti,
Carlo Battisti,
Maria Pia Casilio,
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Vittorio De Sica,
Vittorio De Sica
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: Criterion
: Classics, Drama, Foreign, Italy, Classic Drama, Classic Drama, Criterion Collection
: 89 min.
: Italian
: English
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Frequently mentioned on lists of masterpieces of modern cinema, Vittorio De Sica's Umberto D. transforms a simple character study into a painfully poignant drama. Umberto is an aging former civil servant, now retired on his scant government pension. He spends his time in his tiny room in Rome, with only his longtime pet dog for companionship. His lonely life only grows worse when his limited income forces him to fall behind on his rent, leading his landlady to threaten him with eviction. He makes a desperate attempt to raise the needed money and protest the unfair treatment of senior citizens to the government, but he receives little response. His one chance at human contact, through brief conversations with a pregnant servant, proves sadly disappointing. Indeed, Umberto slowly becomes convinced that the situation may be hopeless, and he ultimately considers committing suicide. Considered one of the high points of Italian neo-realist cinema, Umberto D. provides the ultimate example of the movement's unadorned, observational style, which emphasizes the reality of events without calling attention to their emotional or dramatic impact. The unschooled, natural performances also contribute to the film's feeling of verisimilitude, particularly the lead performance by non-actor Carlo Battisti. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
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| Shattering
by randomcha
March 16, 2006 - 11:10 AM PST
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1 out of 1 members found this review helpful
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| A deceptively simple, intensely moving examination of old age that never fails to make me cry. It's just plain amazing. |
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 8.21)
100 Votes
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